Riot Games is set to broaden the competitive landscape for its popular tactical shooter VALORANT in 2026, creating a direct pathway for second-tier teams to qualify for the global championship.
The developer earlier this week unveiled the official VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) calendar for 2026, which includes a significant structural change aimed at integrating emerging talent.
Under the new format, four teams from the Challengers circuit (Tier 2) will earn spots in the VCT Season Finals. Their performance in this event could then lead them to the coveted VALORANT Champions, the game’s premier world championship.
This marks a pivotal shift, as the top-tier circuit will not see an increase in the total number of events. Instead, the focus is on opening qualification routes from the lower echelons of professional play.
The 2026 competitive season will feature a total of seven championships, including the Game Changers Championship for inclusive competitive play.
The season kicks off with regional events, known as Kickoff, from January 15 to February 15. These competitions will welcome new teams and players while determining initial berths for the first international tournament.
VALORANT Masters Santiago, the first international event of 2026, is scheduled from February 28 to March 15.
The VCT Stage 1 regional leagues will run from March 31 to May 10, followed by Stage 1 Playoffs between May 6 and May 24.
VALORANT Masters London will then take place from June 6 to June 21, leading into VCT Stage 2, which is set for June 30 to August 16.
The critical Season Finals, where the Tier 2 teams will join the fray, are slated from August 5 to September 6.
The culminating event, VALORANT Champions Shanghai, will determine the world champion between September 24 and October 18.
Dates for the inclusive Game Changers Championship remain flexible, expected to occur in October or November.