VCT Masters London: Everything You Need to Know

by Juandi June 4, 2026

Here's everything you need to know about VALORANT Masters London!

UNITED KINGDOM – The second international event of the 2026 VALORANT season is here.

Running from June 6-21, VCT Masters London will bring together 12 of the world's best teams, with three representatives each from Americas, CN, EMEA, and Pacific competing for international glory. The tournament will feature two stages: the Swiss Stage and the Playoffs.

The four regional champions have earned direct qualification to the Playoffs as top seeds:

  • Paper Rex (Pacific)
  • EDward Gaming (CN)
  • G2 Esports (Americas)
  • Team Heretics (EMEA)

The remaining eight teams will begin their campaign in the Swiss Stage, where teams must secure two wins to advance. Two losses will result in elimination.

Swiss Stage teams:

  • FULL SENSE (Pacific #2)
  • Global Esports (Pacific #3)
  • Xi Lai Gaming (CN #2)
  • Dragon Ranger Gaming (CN #3)
  • Team Vitality (EMEA #2)
  • FUT Esports (EMEA #3)
  • LEVIATAN (Americas #2)
  • NRG (Americas #3)

Four teams will emerge from Swiss and join the four regional champions in the Playoffs.

As introduced first during Masters Shanghai, the playoff seeding process will once again allow the top seeds to select their quarterfinal opponents from the qualified teams.

The order of selections is randomized, often creating some of the event's most entertaining moments as teams decide whether to challenge dangerous opponents or avoid specific matchups. Coaches and team representatives typically make these selections live on broadcast following the conclusion of the Swiss Stage.

The Playoffs begin on June 12 following a one-day break. After five days of double-elimination competition, teams will get another two-day break before the tournament concludes with the Finals Weekend from June 19-21.

Storylines

One of the biggest talking points heading into London is the impact of the major meta shifts introduced this season. The changes have dramatically altered the competitive landscape and contributed to one of the most unpredictable international events in recent memory. Perhaps the clearest example is defending Masters champion Nongshim RedForce, who failed to qualify despite lifting the trophy just a few months ago.

While several familiar names remain among the favorites, London arrives with far more uncertainty than previous events, opening the door for new contenders to establish themselves on the international stage.

Pacific enters London chasing history. The region has won the last four Masters events dating back to Masters Shanghai, with victories at Masters Bangkok, Masters Toronto, and Masters Santiago extending its dominance over the global scene. A fifth consecutive title would further cement Pacific as the region to beat in the current era of VALORANT.

Leading the charge is reigning Masters Toronto champion Paper Rex, who have looked solid throughout the first half of this year.

FULL SENSE, formerly competing under the TALON banner, return to international competition with an all-Thai lineup led by veteran Thanamethk "Crws" Mahatthananuyut. For many Southeast Asian fans, the roster evokes memories of the X10 Esports and XERXIA squads that helped put Thailand on the global VALORANT map. Their qualification marks the return of a fully Thai roster to the international stage at a time when multinational rosters have become the norm across the Pacific region.

Global Esports will make their international debut with a lineup featuring Patrick "PatMen" Mendoza, former FunPlus Phoenix player Kale "autumn" Dunne, and three international rookies. Backed by head coach Hector "FrosT" Rosario, Global Esports arrive in London as one of the tournament's most intriguing newcomers.

From CN, EDward Gaming return to international competition looking stronger than they have in quite some time. The 2024 world champions have shown some of their best form since the Masters Bangkok and Champions Seoul cycle, with Zhang "Smoggy" Zhao and Zhang "Jieni7" Juntai playing particularly well throughout the regional season.

Viewing Information

For viewers across Asia, London offers relatively friendly viewing hours compared to several recent international events.

Matches from June 6-10 and June 12-16 will begin at 10 PM GMT+8, while the Finals Weekend from June 19-21 will start an hour earlier at 9 PM GMT+8.

Viewers can also earn the exclusive "GUTTED" title by watching live matches with a connected Riot Games account, or lock your Pick'Ems to get gunbuddies and titles. The Shotcall extension will be here as well, allowing fans to make predictions and unlock the "Party of 1" Spray and "RUBBISH" title.

Before the Grand Final on June 21, Riot Games will showcase a new map and host a creator showmatch featuring personalities from across the VALORANT community.

Following the championship match, the tournament MVP will once again be awarded a Masters MVP bracelet. The winner will be selected through a voting process involving talent, co-streamers, and media representatives, including VALO2ASIA.

VALO2ASIA will also stream post-match press conferences live on YouTube approximately 5-10 minutes after each match concludes, with VODs uploaded afterward for viewers who miss the live broadcast.

Be sure to follow VALO2ASIA throughout Masters London for match highlights, player and coach reactions, press conference coverage, and everything happening on the ground during the event.

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