You are heading into the Apex Legends Global Series 2026 Championship as all 40 qualified teams prepare to compete on the world stage. The event, also known as the ALGS Year 5 Championship, brings the full field together after a long season of regional competition.
You can expect the action to unfold in Sapporo, Japan, where the tournament will showcase top-tier play and key contenders to watch. This overview sets the stage for who is competing and what lies ahead once matches begin.
ALGS 2026 Championship teams
You see 40 qualified teams split into four groups for the opening phase, which runs from January 15–16. Each group plays a round-robin schedule to determine placement heading into the next phase.
After group play, you watch the field divide. The top 20 teams advance to the Winners Bracket, while the remaining 20 enter the Elimination Bracket on January 17. Performance there decides who survives to reach the final day.
The event concludes on January 18, where finalists compete for the championship title and prize pool placement. Group assignments shape early matchups and influence bracket paths.
| Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance | Gen.G Esports | Team Falcons | VK Gaming |
| Sentinels | Fnatic | TSM | Ninjas in Pyjamas |
| Gaimin Gladiators | Shopify Rebellion | FaZe Clan | Aurora |
| Wolves Esports | S8UL | Virtus.pro | Supernova |
ALGS Year 5 Championship teams
You see a competitive field shaped by recent LAN results and roster changes, with 40 qualified teams arriving in Sapporo, Japan. The championship runs January 15–18, 2026, and each roster earned its place through regional performance across the Year 5 circuit.
Several lineups stand out based on 2025 results and current form. Crazy Thieves represents a joint roster between two major organizations, bringing together proven talent that already competed as a unit during last season’s international events.
Notable teams to watch
| Team | Why they matter |
|---|---|
| Crazy Thieves | Phony, Genburten, and Verhulst continue together under a new banner, supported by coach Balvarine. |
| VK Gaming | Enter as winners of the 2025 Midseason Playoffs, showing strong late‑game control. |
| Team Falcons | Claimed the 2025 Open, with ImperialHal earning MVP honors. |
| ROC Esports | Finished second at the 2025 Midseason Playoffs with consistent match points pressure. |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | Secured third at the same event, relying on disciplined rotations. |
You also track steady contenders from APAC. Wolves Esports and Gen.G Esports delivered reliable placements throughout the season, keeping them relevant in a region known for aggressive pacing.
With established champions and evolving partnerships sharing the stage, you watch a bracket where recent success matters, but adaptation decides outcomes.
