The 2026 VCT Kickoff events for all four international leagues are scheduled to start in the latter part of January.
SINGAPORE – VALORANT Esports has released a comprehensive overview of what fans and teams can expect as the 2026 VCT season approaches its January start. The first tier-one event on the calendar will be the regional Kickoff tournament, which returns with a significantly updated structure compared to what audiences have seen over the past three years.
For 2026, Kickoff will debut a triple-elimination format. All twelve partnered teams in each region will navigate this expanded bracket, fighting for one of only three qualifying spots to VALORANT Masters Santiago.
Meanwhile, the top four teams from Champions Paris in each league will be granted a first-round bye, giving last season’s strongest contenders a head start as the new campaign begins.
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Kickoff Start Dates:
- Jan 15 – Americas
- Jan 20 – EMEA
- Jan 22 – Pacific
- Jan 22 – CN
The top four teams from each Kickoff tournament will earn valuable Championship Points, contributing to their journey toward securing a spot at the end-of-year Champions Shanghai event.
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Cover photo courtesy of VCT Pacific
