Everything coming to Game Changers NA 2026

The Verizon VALORANT Game Changers NA circuit returns in early 2026 with an expanded structure that builds on strong community feedback from 2025. With more than sixty days of competition, the season offers increased opportunities for both established teams and new challengers to make their mark.

The calendar features a Kickoff Tournament, four open qualifiers, two extended Swiss stages, and two high stakes Main Events. This format creates a steady competitive rhythm while allowing teams time to develop, adapt, and qualify across multiple entry points.

The season begins with a Kickoff Tournament designed to reduce downtime between years and give teams a low pressure environment to finalize rosters. Two open qualifiers then feed into the first Swiss Stage and Main Event. 

EVERY DETAIL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE 2026 SEASON

Raidiant Academy continues alongside the main circuit, offering five standalone weekend events throughout 2026. These tournaments provide lower stakes competition for developing teams, players, and broadcast talent, reinforcing the Academy’s role as a pathway into Game Changers NA.

A total prize pool of $150,000 will be distributed across the season. Each Main Event awards Game Changers Championship Circuit Points, which determine North America’s international representative and Last Chance Qualifier participant.

KICKOFF TOURNAMENT DETAILS

The Kickoff Tournament returns for its second year with up to thirty two teams competing for a $10,000 prize pool.

The event features a GSL group stage followed by a double elimination bracket, concluding with best of five matches in the final rounds. While no circuit points are awarded, the tournament serves as a key preparation event ahead of Stage 1.

STAGE 1 AND STAGE 2 FORMAT

Both stages follow identical formats and each feature a $65,000 prize pool alongside Championship Circuit Points. Teams qualify through open qualifiers or direct Swiss Stage invites, with competition spread across GSL groups, double elimination playoffs, and multi week Swiss play.

The Swiss Stages lead into eight team Main Events with full production, talent desks, and broadcasts on the VALORANT Americas channels.

To reward consistency, the top eight teams from Stage 1 automatically qualify for the Stage 2 Swiss Stage.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY AND BROADCASTING

Player eligibility verification is handled by Raidiant through a secure online portal opening in early January 2026. Once verified, players retain eligibility for future seasons if information remains unchanged.

Observer only broadcasts, approved costreams, and featured matches ensure wide coverage throughout the season, with Watch Party access managed through the Raidiant Discord.

RAIDIANT ACADEMY AND PARTNERS

Raidiant Academy continues its mission of developing the next generation of Game Changers competitors and creators, hosting events with recurring prize pools and broadcast exposure.

The 2026 season is supported by Verizon, Red Bull, and Secretlab, whose partnerships help elevate the competitive experience and strengthen the Game Changers ecosystem across North America.