Path to Champions 2026: Full Details on How Challenger Teams Can Qualify for Valorant Champions

Written by: Wei

23/10/2025

Riot Games has shared new details about Path to Champions, the upcoming initiative launching in 2026 that gives Challenger teams the chance to qualify for Valorant Champions. This system aims to create a more open and competitive route to the world’s biggest Valorant tournament.

Challenger Support and Participation

Teams that reach the Stage 2 Playoffs in their region will receive a $75,000 stipend to cover travel, visa, and participation expenses.

The goal is to make international attendance easier for top-performing Challenger teams.

Qualified teams should expect to compete at International League (IL) hub locations and Stage 2 Playoff roadshows in 2026.

Regional Slot Breakdown

VCT Americas

Four Challenger teams will qualify for Stage 2 Playoffs. North America’s and Brazil’s top teams will secure direct entry into Path to Champions.

LATAM North and South will face off for one regional slot, while the final position will be decided through a Last Chance Qualifier featuring the NA 2nd seed, Brazil 2nd seed, and the LATAM runner-up.

VCT EMEA

Challengers EMEA will continue using tournament placements and point standings to determine the top four seeds advancing to Stage 2 Playoffs.

VCT Pacific

Direct Path to Champions slots will go to the top teams from Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea.

The last spot will be decided through a Last Chance Qualifier involving top teams from South Asia, Oceania, and the 2nd and 3rd seeds from Southeast Asia.

VCT China

Qualification details for the Chinese region will be announced soon.

Eligibility and Academy Rules

Academy teams remain ineligible for Path to Champions but can still compete in their regional Challenger leagues.

Starting in 2026, Academy teams will lose relegation protection, meaning they must defend their place if they finish at the bottom of their league. This change is designed to make competition more balanced and merit-based.

Affiliate teams are still eligible to participate in Path to Champions, and affiliations do not need to be dissolved if they qualify.

Roster Construction and Age Requirements

Teams must follow local regulations for roster eligibility. In China, players must be at least 18 years old across all tiers of competition. Challenger teams with younger players will need to adjust rosters before Champions if they qualify.

Standard Challenger roster rules remain in effect: three players from the team’s region and two from other regions.

For 2026, exemptions allow Challenger teams in EMEA, Americas, and Pacific regions to compete with players aged 16 or older and up to two imports during IL Playoffs.