TL;DR:
- The trail into VCT EMEA is opening up in 2027. Construct a workforce and signal as much as compete.
- Kickoff Qualifiers start this November throughout Europe, Türkiye and MENA.
- Groups could have two possibilities to advance, by Kickoff Qualifier 1 and Kickoff Qualifier 2.
- Europe: Nov. 5–8 & Nov. 12–15, Türkiye: Nov. 10–13 & Nov. 18–21, MENA: Nov. 1–3 & Nov. 9–11
- Profitable groups will advance by their regional pathway for a spot at VCT EMEA Kickoff.
- Choose non-partner groups will obtain direct invitations to the Europe and Türkiye Kickoff Qualifier Playoffs, whereas choose groups in MENA will obtain larger seeding in Kickoff Qualifiers.
- 4 groups will attain VCT EMEA Kickoff: two from Europe, one from Türkiye and one from MENA.
- Non-partner groups that attain Kickoff will obtain $100,000 in monetary assist.
- Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration is now open: Europe: [Sign Up] Türkiye: [Sign Up] Center East: [Sign Up] North Africa: [Sign Up]
- Kickoff Qualifier 2 registration will open at a later date.
The highway to 2027 VCT EMEA Kickoff begins this November – and also you and your pals could possibly be a part of it!
In 2027, aspiring gamers and groups throughout EMEA could have extra alternatives to compete straight throughout the VCT ecosystem. Whether or not you’re a longtime aggressive workforce or placing collectively a roster for the primary time with your pals, Kickoff Qualifiers provide the likelihood to start out your run in direction of VCT EMEA.
And there’s extra than simply glory on the road. Non-partner groups that make all of it the best way to Kickoff will obtain $100,000 in monetary assist, alongside the chance to check themselves towards one of the best groups in EMEA.
The qualification pathway will span three aggressive areas – Europe, Türkiye and MENA – with every working regional Kickoff Qualifiers and its personal pathway to VCT EMEA Kickoff.
VCT EMEA Kickoff 2027 will characteristic 12 groups: eight associate groups and 4 groups that earn their place by regional qualification – two from Europe, one from Türkiye and one from MENA.
So, what does the highway from Kickoff Qualifiers to VCT EMEA Kickoff appear like in your workforce?
Regional Kickoff Qualifiers
The trail to Kickoff begins with two Kickoff Qualifiers in every area, giving groups two possibilities to advance. The highest groups will then progress by their regional pathway and compete for a spot at VCT EMEA Kickoff.
Choose non-partner groups may also obtain direct invitations or larger seeding primarily based on their 2026 aggressive efficiency, relying on the area. Additional details about which groups will obtain direct invitations can be revealed at a later date.
Right here’s the way it works in every area:
Europe
Europe’s Kickoff Qualifiers will characteristic single-elimination brackets with Greatest-of-Three matches.
- VCT EMEA Kickoff Europe Qualifier 1: November 5–8
- VCT EMEA Kickoff Europe Qualifier 2: November 12–15
The highest 4 groups from every Kickoff Qualifier will advance to a 16-team Kickoff Europe Qualifier Playoffs, happening November 26–December 5. The eight qualifying groups can be joined by eight invited non-partner groups, chosen primarily based on their 2026 aggressive standing and efficiency.
The Kickoff Qualifier Playoffs will characteristic a modified double-elimination bracket with Greatest-of-Three matches, and a Greatest-of-5 grand last, with the highest two groups qualifying for VCT EMEA Kickoff.
Türkiye
Türkiye’s Kickoff Qualifiers will characteristic single-elimination brackets with Greatest-of-Three matches.
- VCT EMEA Kickoff Turkiye Qualifier 1: November 10–13
- VCT EMEA Kickoff Turkiye Qualifier 2: November 18–21
The highest two groups from every Kickoff Qualifier will advance to the eight-team Kickoff Türkiye Qualifier Playoffs happening November 25–December 6, the place they are going to be joined by 4 invited groups primarily based on their 2026 aggressive efficiency.
The Kickoff Qualifier Playoffs will characteristic a GSL group stage, with groups cut up into two teams of 4. The highest two groups per group will advance to the double elimination bracket. All matches can be Greatest-of-Three, with a Greatest-of-5 grand last, with the winner qualifying for VCT EMEA Kickoff.
MENA
MENA’s Kickoff Qualifiers can be cut up between the Center East (ME) and North Africa (NA), with separate qualifiers for every sub-region working in parallel. Every will characteristic a single-elimination bracket with Greatest-of-Three matches.
Choose non-partner groups will obtain larger seeding within the Kickoff Qualifiers primarily based on their 2026 aggressive efficiency.
- VCT EMEA Kickoff MENA Qualifier 1: November 1–3
- VCT EMEA Kickoff MENA Qualifier 2: November 9–11
Following the Kickoff Qualifiers, the 2 Center East Qualifier winners will face one another in a Greatest-of-5 Decider match, whereas the 2 North Africa Qualifier winners will compete in a separate Greatest-of-5 Decider. Each Qualifier Decider matches will happen on November 20, with the winner of every advancing to the Kickoff MENA Qualifier Last.
The Kickoff MENA Qualifier Last, which can happen on December 6, will see the Center East and North Africa representatives face off in a Greatest-of-5, with the winner qualifying for VCT EMEA Kickoff. To make sure each groups can compete in a low-latency surroundings, the 2 representatives can be flown to the identical location for the match.
Prepared to start out your run? Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration is now open: Europe [SIGN UP] | Türkiye [SIGN UP] | Center East: [Sign Up] North Africa: [Sign Up]
Monetary Assist for Open Groups
There’s greater than only a place at Kickoff on the road. In 2027, non-partner groups that qualify for main phases of the VCT ecosystem will obtain mounted monetary assist primarily based on how far they progress:
- Qualify for Kickoff or a Cup: $100,000
- Qualify for Masters: $200,000
- Qualify for Champions: $400,000
Non-partner groups may also be eligible for prize pool earnings and extra incentives as they progress by the season.
The aim is to present groups significant assist as they compete at larger ranges of VCT – beginning with the chance to earn your house at Kickoff by the VCT EMEA Kickoff Qualifiers.
Eligibility
Able to compete? Earlier than signing up for a Kickoff Qualifier, be sure you and your workforce meet the next necessities.
Participant Eligibility
- Gamers should be 17 years or older.
- Gamers will need to have reached Ascendant 1 or larger on the time of registration, or in the course of the earlier three acts.
Crew & Roster Necessities
- Non-partner groups will choose their house area when registering. As soon as chosen, groups will solely have the ability to change areas in sure circumstances.
- No less than three of the 5 beginning gamers should be residents of the workforce’s house area: Europe, Türkiye or MENA.
- Groups should preserve at the least three gamers on their Beginning Lineup who’re Residents of the Crew’s Dwelling Area as they progress by qualifiers.
- Groups might solely have a most of two gamers on their Beginning Lineup who’re non-Residents.
- To advance to the Kickoff Qualifier Playoffs, groups should retain at the least three of the 5 gamers from the roster that certified by the respective Kickoff Qualifier.
- Eligibility for particular person international locations inside every area is outlined within the Competitors Ruleset [LINK].
How one can Signal Up
Able to make your run? Registration for Kickoff Qualifier 1 is now open. Join your area under:
Europe
- Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration: October 15–28 — [SIGN UP]
- Kickoff Qualifier 2 registration: November 7–10 — [SIGN UP]
Türkiye
- Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration: October 15–November 7 — [SIGN UP]
- Kickoff Qualifier 2 registration: November 11–15 — [SIGN UP]
MENA
Center East
- Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration: October 15–28 — [SIGN UP]
- Kickoff Qualifier 2 registration: November 3–6 — [SIGN UP]
North Africa
- Kickoff Qualifier 1 registration: October 15–28 — [SIGN UP]
- Kickoff Qualifier 2 registration: November 3–6 — [SIGN UP]
Registration for Kickoff Qualifier 2 will open at a later date.
Regulate VCT EMEA, VALORANT Arabia and VALORANT Türkiye X channels for the most recent Kickoff Qualifier updates and registration info.
Lastly, earlier than registering, be sure you have:
- A sound passport for each participant in your workforce
- Your workforce title and branding, which should not infringe on present emblems, copyrights or different mental property
- A Riot platform profile for every participant for verification functions
The primary Kickoff Qualifiers kick off in November. Construct your roster, select your area and prepare to compete in your place at 2027 VCT EMEA Kickoff.