Setting the Stage for VCT 2026
With the major VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) 2025 events now behind us, the esports community is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming year. The landscape of competitive VALORANT is evolving, and for fans and followers, the question on everyone’s mind is: which team will capture the spotlight in 2026? If you’re on the hunt for a team to rally behind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of confirmed participants for VCT 2026. While some organizations are still fine-tuning their rosters, the teams themselves are largely set in stone, making it easier to plan your allegiance.
VCT Americas: A Hotbed of Talent
The Americas region is a melting pot of competitive VALORANT, and VCT 2026 is no exception. The region will see 12 teams in action, with 10 of them being official partners and two qualifying through the Ascension process. Notable names like 100 Thieves, Cloud9, and Evil Geniuses will be vying for supremacy, alongside local favorites such as KRÜ Esports, Leviatán, and LOUD. This region is also home to the reigning VCT Champions, Sentinels, who will be looking to defend their title. Adding a bit of spice to the mix are the Ascended teams, G2 Esports and ENVY, who have earned their spots through hard-fought qualifications. The intense competition in this region promises thrilling matches and unexpected twists.
VCT EMEA: A Theater of Champions
The Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region is known for its high-caliber teams and competitive spirit. VCT 2026 will see 12 teams competing, with 10 official partners and two Ascended teams. Among the heavyweights are Fnatic, Natus Vincere, Team Liquid, and Team Vitality, all of whom have a track record of excellence in VALORANT. The region also boasts rising stars like BBL Esports and Karmine Corp, adding a fresh dynamic to the competition. The Ascended teams, PCIFIC Esports and ULF Esports, will bring their unique styles and strategies to the mix, making the EMEA region one of the most exciting to watch in the upcoming year.
VCT Pacific: A Region in Flux
The Pacific region is undergoing a significant transformation as it prepares for VCT 2026. With 12 team spots, including 10 official partners and two Ascended teams, the region is bustling with activity. Standout teams like DetonatioN FocusMe, DRX, and Paper Rex will be looking to assert their dominance, while Gen.G Esports and T1 will be bringing their world-class expertise to the stage. The Ascended teams, SLT and Nongshim RedForce, will add a new layer of competition. However, the region is still dealing with the removal of TALON due to financial issues, leaving one spot open. Riot Games is actively searching for a replacement, and it’s only a matter of time before the final team is announced, ensuring that the Pacific region remains a fierce battleground for VALORANT supremacy.
VCT China: A Rising Force
The Chinese VALORANT scene is rapidly gaining momentum, and VCT 2026 will see 12 teams from this region competing at the highest level. Official partners like Bilibili Gaming, EDward Gaming, and FunPlus Phoenix will be joined by newcomers such as Dragon Ranger Gaming and XLG Esports, who qualified through the Ascension process. The region is known for its deep talent pool and rigorous competitive environment, making it a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. With teams like Nova Esports and TYLOO, the Chinese VALORANT scene is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming year.
Stage 2 Playoffs: A Crucial Turning Point
In addition to the regular season, the Stage 2 Playoffs will play a pivotal role in determining the teams that will represent each region at VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai. Each international league will send four Challengers teams to compete for a spot at the global event, adding an extra layer of competition and excitement. The Stage 2 Playoffs will be a crucible for up-and-coming talent, giving lesser-known teams a chance to shine and potentially upset the established order. This phase of the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with unexpected outcomes and high stakes at every turn.
The Future of VALORANT Esports
As VCT 2026 approaches, theVALORANT esports scene is poised for another year of growth and innovation. With a nearly complete roster of teams and an exciting format that includes both established powerhouses and rising stars, the upcoming year is shaping up to be a memorable one. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the scene, there’s plenty to look forward to in VCT 2026. From the intense battles in the Americas to the strategic brilliance of the EMEA region, and the rapid rise of the Pacific and Chinese scenes, the global VALORANT community is in for a thrilling ride. So, pick your team, cheer them on, and get ready for a year of unforgettable moments in VALORANT esports.
