Riot Games confirmed the full competitive calendar for the 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour, outlining the timing of both regional and international events across the coming year. The announcement signals the official start of the next chapter for professional VALORANT, setting clear expectations for teams and fans alike.
With preparations complete after the off-season, players and organizations turn their focus to the upcoming matches that will define the year’s competition. The structured schedule highlights Riot’s continued effort to organize a consistent global framework for its esports ecosystem.
VCT 2026 Schedule
The VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 features a structured timeline that includes regional stages and three major international events. Each event contributes valuable Championship Points, influencing qualification for the season’s final tournament.
| Event | Dates (2026) | Location | Championship Points (Winner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Santiago | Feb. 15 – Mar. 3 | Santiago, Chile | 4 Points |
| Masters London | Jun. 6 – Jun. 21 | London, United Kingdom | 8 Points |
| VALORANT Champions Shanghai | Sept. 24 – Oct. 18 | Shanghai, China | N/A (Grand Championship) |
Masters Santiago
The competitive year begins in Santiago, where international teams meet for the first Masters of the season. This event introduces an expanded roster of participants, allowing additional organizations to enter the global stage. Each match directly impacts early Championship Point standings, with the eventual winner earning four points toward qualification.
Teams arriving from the initial stages of the domestic circuit seek to build momentum here. Strong results in Santiago often set the tone for the rest of the season, offering early validation of roster changes or strategic adjustments.
Masters London
Following the first phase of domestic competition, Masters London serves as the second international clash of 2026. Twelve teams—three from each primary region—vie for positioning ahead of the year’s final championship. Hosted in London, United Kingdom, from June 6 to June 21, the event rewards the champion with eight Championship Points.
The structure emphasizes cross-regional parity. Teams showcase refined tactics developed over Stage 1 while aiming to secure early qualification advantages for the closing tournament.
VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026
The concluding event, VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026, determines the ultimate titleholder for the season. Only sixteen qualified teams advance from prior stages and regional rankings. Competition begins on September 24 and concludes on October 18 in Shanghai, China.
This tournament crowns the world champion and represents the culmination of months of domestic, regional, and international play. Its results finalize global rankings and complete the 2026 competitive cycle.
