VALORANT Champions 2026, also known as VCT Champions, is the crowning event of the VALORANT esports calendar. Hosted in Shanghai, this tournament represents the pinnacle of the 2026 season where sixteen of the world’s best teams compete for the title of World Champion.
Tournament Overview
| Category | Information |
| Dates | September 24 to October 18, 2026 |
| Location | Shanghai, China |
| Teams | 16 |
| Prize Pool | $2,250,000 USD |
| Type | Offline (LAN) |
| Organizer | Riot Games |
Format
Group Stage
- Structure: Four Double Elimination Format (GSL) Groups.
- Groups: Each group consists of 4 teams.
- Matches: All matches are Best of Three (Bo3).
- Progression: The top 2 teams from each group advance to the Playoffs.
Playoffs
- Structure: 8 team Double Elimination bracket.
- Standard Matches: All matches are Best of Three (Bo3).
- Finals: The Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final are Best of Five (Bo5).
Prize Pool
| Place | Prize (USD) | Team |
| 1st | $1,000,000 | TBD |
| 2nd | $400,000 | TBD |
| 3rd | $250,000 | TBD |
| 4th | $130,000 | TBD |
| 5th to 6th | $85,000 | TBD |
| 7th to 8th | $50,000 | TBD |
| 9th to 12th | $30,000 | TBD |
| 13th to 16th | $20,000 | TBD |
Participating Teams
Sixteen teams will qualify for this event based on their performance throughout the 2026 VCT season.
- Americas Qualifier 1: TBD
- Americas Qualifier 2: TBD
- Americas Qualifier 3: TBD
- Americas Qualifier 4: TBD
- China Qualifier 1: TBD
- China Qualifier 2: TBD
- China Qualifier 3: TBD
- China Qualifier 4: TBD
- EMEA Qualifier 1: TBD
- EMEA Qualifier 2: TBD
- EMEA Qualifier 3: TBD
- EMEA Qualifier 4: TBD
- Pacific Qualifier 1: TBD
- Pacific Qualifier 2: TBD
- Pacific Qualifier 3: TBD
- Pacific Qualifier 4: TBD
Broadcast Talent
The official broadcast talent list for the English coverage of Champions Shanghai has not yet been announced. Talent information including hosts, analysts, and commentators will be updated as the event approaches.
