Riot Games has announced significant structural changes and the host cities for the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), signalling a strategic shift towards a more global and open ecosystem. The season will feature global events across three continents, introducing new host cities and revised formats.
The 2026 circuit will commence with Masters Santiago, Chile, the first-ever VCT global event in Latin America. This will be followed by Masters London, marking the UK’s debut as an international host. The competitive year will culminate with Champions Shanghai, China, where the next world champion will be crowned.
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Substantial format adjustments are planned across the tournament circuit. The first Masters event will expand to include twelve teams. Furthermore, the regular season will depart from previous group formats, ensuring every team plays an equal number of matches.
A pivotal change for 2026 is the introduction of the “Challengers Path to Champions,” which temporarily replaces the Ascension system. For the first time, each International League will send four Challengers teams to its Stage 2 Playoffs, providing a direct route to the world championship.
These qualifying teams will receive a cash stipend to assist with travel and attendance costs. This move aligns with Riot’s goal to make the VCT a more open competition. Teams that qualify for Champions will also earn rewards including compensation from digital goods.
These changes for 2026 are positioned as the beginning of the next era for VALORANT esports, establishing a foundation for a more comprehensive structural overhaul anticipated in 2027.
