In 2026, VCT noticed the start of that shift. New contenders have emerged, expectations have been damaged, and twice at Masters, a brand new champion has risen.
Now all of it comes collectively in Shanghai, a metropolis the place historical past and the longer term reside facet by facet. From September 24 to October 18, acquainted names, new contenders, and a fearless technology of challengers will compete for the largest trophy of the yr.
Meet the Opponents
Sixteen groups from Americas, CN, EMEA, and Pacific will battle to turn out to be the 2026 VALORANT World Champion.
Event Format
Champions Shanghai is cut up into two phases: Teams Stage and Playoffs.
Teams Stage (Sept 24 to Oct 4)
- 4 teams with one consultant from every area
- Sixteen groups enter. Solely eight survive.
- Lose two and also you’re out.
- All matches are Greatest-of-Three.
Playoffs (Oct 7 to Oct 18)
- Double elimination. One loss places you on the sting.
- Two losses ship you residence.
Schedule
- Teams Stage
- Sept 24, Thursday – Teams Stage (Day 1)
- Sept 25, Friday – Teams Stage (Day 2)
- Sept 26, Saturday – Teams Stage (Day 3)
- Sept 27, Sunday – Teams Stage (Day 4)
- Darkish Day
- Sept 28, Monday – No Matches
- Teams Stage
- Sept 29, Tuesday – Teams Stage (Day 5)
- Sept 30, Wednesday – Teams Stage (Day 6)
- Oct 1, Thursday – Teams Stage (Day 7)
- Oct 2, Friday – Teams Stage (Day 8)
- Oct 3, Saturday – Teams Stage (Day 9)
- Oct 4, Sunday – Teams Stage (Day 10)
- Darkish Days
- Oct 5, Monday – No Matches
- Oct 6, Tuesday – No Matches
- Playoffs Stage
- Oct 7, Wednesday – Playoffs Stage (Day 6)
- Oct 8, Thursday – Playoffs Stage (Day 7)
- Oct 9, Friday – Playoffs Stage (Day 8)
- Oct 10, Saturday – Playoffs Stage (Day 9)
- Oct 11, Sunday – Playoffs Stage (Day 10)
- Darkish Days
- Oct 12, Monday – No Matches
- Oct 13, Tuesday – No Matches
- Oct 14, Wednesday – No Matches
- Oct 15, Thursday – No Matches
- Finals
- Oct 16, Friday – Playoffs Stage (Day 11)
- Oct 17, Saturday – Decrease Bracket Remaining (Day 12)
- Oct 18, Sunday – Grand Remaining (Day 13)
Event MVP
There can solely be one Champions Shanghai MVP. It comes right down to who made the largest impression, stayed constant, and delivered when it mattered most. Expertise, co-streamers, and media will determine who really stood out.
Don’t miss the second after the ultimate when the MVP is topped!
Drops and Decide’Ems powered by AWS
Tune in reside to Champions Shanghai to earn unique Drops, together with a particular Title. Lock in your predictions and see how your reads stack up in opposition to the world.
Shotcall
Champions Shanghai may also function Shotcall, a reside Twitch extension that places your VCT predictions to the take a look at. Predict maps, rounds, and clutch moments as they occur, earn factors, and climb the worldwide leaderboard.
WHERE TO FOLLOW THE VCT
Be sure that to observe the official VALORANT Esports social channels for added details about 2026 VCT Season: