Everything About VCT EMEA 2026

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

The opening event of the season brings new teams, refreshed rosters, and a redesigned format as 12 organizations battle for international qualification.

The Kickoff will determine which three teams advance to VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026, setting the tone for the rest of the competitive year.

Twelve Teams Enter the Competition

The 2026 Kickoff features a full slate of 12 teams. Ascension qualifiers PCIFIC Esports and ULF Esports join the league alongside returning partner team Gentle Mates and the rest of the established EMEA field.

The event gives fans their first opportunity to see how new lineups stack up against proven contenders in a high-pressure environment.

Triple Elimination Format Explained

VCT EMEA Kickoff introduces a triple elimination bracket, giving teams three chances before elimination. Teams begin in the Upper Bracket and drop to the Middle Bracket after one loss. A second loss sends teams to the Lower Bracket, where every match becomes an elimination series. A third loss ends a team’s run.

Rather than a single Grand Final, the format produces three finals. The winners of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Brackets all qualify for Masters Santiago, meaning qualification remains undecided until the final match of each bracket concludes.

Fnatic, Team Liquid, GIANTX, and Team Heretics, as representatives from VALORANT Champions Paris 2025, receive byes into Round 2 of the Upper Bracket.

Match Structure and Series Format

All matches leading up to the bracket finals will be played as Best of 3 series. Each of the three bracket finals will be played as Best of 5, increasing the stakes for teams fighting for international qualification.

With three Masters spots available, every bracket remains meaningful throughout the event.

Week by Week Schedule Overview

Week 1: Upper Bracket Rounds 1 and 2

Week 1 opens with eight matches. Four Round 1 series are followed by four Round 2 matches featuring Upper Bracket byes and Round 1 winners. Teams that advance from Round 1 will play twice during the opening week.

Week 2: Middle Bracket and Upper Semifinals

Teams that lose in Week 1 drop into the Middle Bracket, competing early in the week. The Upper Bracket semifinals take place on Thursday, while Friday returns to Middle Bracket matchups.

Week 3: Lower Bracket Survival

Week 3 centers on elimination matches. Lower Bracket play begins Tuesday, followed by Middle Bracket games on Wednesday. Additional Lower Bracket rounds take place Thursday and Friday as teams fight to stay alive.

Week 4: Three Bracket Finals

Week 4 runs from Thursday to Sunday. Remaining Middle and Lower Bracket rounds are completed before each final. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Bracket finals are each played as Best of 5 series, with qualification on the line every day.

Teams eliminated in earlier finals may still have additional chances, while Lower Bracket teams could complete a late run by winning multiple series in the final week.

Championship Points on the Line

Championship Points will be awarded based on final placement at 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 two teams with the most Championship Points will qualify for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.

What Comes Next for Eliminated Teams

Teams that fail to secure a Masters Santiago qualification will still have opportunities ahead. A new EMEA tournament is scheduled to take place before Masters Santiago, with additional details expected to be announced in the future.