Riot Games has unveiled more details about the Path to Champions, a new initiative arriving in 2026 that will allow Challenger teams to qualify directly for VALORANT Champions. The system expands the structure of Riot’s competitive ecosystem, providing semi-pro and regional teams with a clearer route to the biggest global event of the year. Check out the new rules of VCT 2026 Format and more below.
VCT 2026 Format: $75,000 Support for Qualified Teams
Challenger teams that earn a spot in Stage 2 Playoffs will receive a $75,000 stipend to help with travel, visas, and logistics during their participation. Riot aims to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that regional teams can compete internationally without heavy resource constraints. However, all qualified teams will still be responsible for arranging their paperwork, accommodations, and travel schedules to events held across IL hub locations and designated Stage 2 Playoff roadshows.
VALORANT Champions 2026: Regional Slots Breakdown
Each international region will send four Challenger teams to its Stage 2 Playoffs, where they’ll face off against International League squads for Champions qualification.
- VCT Americas: The top teams from North America and Brazil each claim a direct slot. LATAM North and South contenders will battle for one LATAM slot, while the last slot will be decided via a Last Chance Qualifier between the second seeds from NA and Brazil and the LATAM runner-up.
- VCT EMEA: Qualification will be based on cumulative points and top placements throughout Challengers EMEA tournaments.
- VCT Pacific: Slots are fixed for the leading teams from Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, with a Last Chance Qualifier determining the fourth slot among South Asia, Oceania, and SEA’s 2nd-3rd seeds.
- VCT CN: Riot has confirmed that further regional details for China will be revealed shortly.
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Updated Eligibility and Roster Policies
Starting in 2026, Academy teams will no longer have relegation protection, meaning underperforming teams will have to defend their place in Challengers. While Academy rosters remain ineligible for the Path to Champions, affiliate teams can participate, though trade restrictions will lock rosters during Stage 2 Playoffs and Champions.
Riot has also emphasized age and import regulations. In China, all players must be 18 or older to compete, reflecting local laws. Across EMEA, Pacific, and Americas regions, teams can compete with players aged 16 and above, and may field up to two imports outside their home region at IL Playoffs.
The changes aim to bolster the competitive integrity of the VALORANT ecosystem while making the path from local competition to global contention more achievable. Riot also confirmed that it is currently reviewing policies to unify the partner and open ecosystems starting from the 2027 season.
With expanded international opportunities and increased financial support, VCT 2026 sets the stage for a more inclusive and dynamic year in professional VALORANT.
The post VCT 2026 Format: New Path, New Rules, New Rewards appeared first on Inside Sport India.
