All VCT leagues to implement 1v1 Skirmish Side Selection

by Timothy January 15, 2026

Starting in Kickoff, 1v1 Skirmishes will replace coin tosses in deciding map picks, bans, and side selection for equally seeded matches.

Riot Games has announced the implementation of skill-based 1v1 Skirmishes across all 4 major VCT regions for equally seeded matches to determine which team gets priority in map picks, bans, and their starting side (Attack/Defense). Prior to this, map picks and side selection were determined by a simple chance-based coin toss.

Also read: VCT Pacific Kickoff 2026 Opening Matchups Revealed

The Skirmish format is as follows:

  • Teams will nominate a player to represent them in the duel.
  • Skirmishes will be held at a chosen time and location, decided by League Officials.
  • First player to hit 5 rounds wins, earning their team the advantage in map and side selection.
  • Agent abilities are disabled; players rely purely on gunplay mechanics.
(Photo courtesy of VALORANT Esports)

VCT Pacific and CN Kickoff will both begin on 22 January, featuring a new triple elimination format. The top 3 teams that emerge from each region will qualify to Masters Santiago, Chile which will run from 28 February to 15 March.

(Photo courtesy of VCT Pacific)
(Photo courtesy of VCT CN)

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Cover photo courtesy of VCT Pacific