VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff Brings New Format, New Teams, and a Triple Elimination Bracket

Competitive VALORANT is set to return as the VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff begins on January 20 and runs through February 15.

With fresh rosters, two newly promoted Ascension teams, and a fully revamped format, the event marks a high-energy start to the new season. PCIFIC Esports and ULF Esports join Gentle Mates and the nine partner teams to round out the 12-team field.

Tickets for the event go on sale December 11 at 18:00 CET.

New Triple Elimination Format

This season introduces a triple elimination system that gives teams three chances to stay alive in the competition.

Teams remain in the Upper Bracket until their first loss, move to the Middle Bracket after their second, and drop to the Lower Bracket if they lose again. A third loss results in elimination.

Instead of a single Grand Final, the event will feature three bracket finals. The champions of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Brackets will each secure a qualification spot for VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. All series will be Best of 3 until the three finals, which will be Best of 5.

Week by Week Breakdown

Week 1: Upper Bracket Rounds 1 and 2

Week 1 begins with eight matches. Round 1 opens the competition, followed by Round 2 where Fnatic, Team Liquid, GIANTX, and Team Heretics await the winners. Round 1 victors will compete twice during this opening week, giving them an early chance to build momentum.

Week 2: Middle Bracket Action and Upper Bracket Semis

All eight teams defeated in Week 1 drop into the Middle Bracket to compete early in Week 2. The Upper Bracket semifinals take place on Thursday, and Friday returns to Middle Bracket matchups with teams fighting to stay alive.

Week 3: Lower Bracket Survival Battles

Week 3 focuses on the Lower Bracket. Tuesday opens with elimination matches, followed by Middle Bracket clashes on Wednesday.

The remaining days deliver four more Lower Bracket series as teams push toward the Lower Finals.

Week 4: Three Finals and High Stakes

Week 4 runs from Thursday to Sunday. Before each of the three finals, remaining Middle and Lower Bracket rounds will be completed with Best of 3 series.

Teams defeated in the Upper Finals or Middle Finals will still have opportunities to qualify, while Lower Bracket teams could mount a dramatic run with three wins in a row.

Championship Points and Season Implications

Teams will earn Championship Points based on final placement during Kickoff:

• Winner: 4 points

• Second place: 3 points

• Third place: 2 points

• Fourth place: 1 point

At the end of the VCT EMEA season, the top two teams in points will qualify for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.

Tickets and Event Details

Fans can attend the event live at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. Tickets will be available on Thursdays and Fridays during the first three weeks, and daily during Week 4. Prices range from €10 to €20.