VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 will bring the 2026 VCT season to a close from September 24 to October 18, with 16 teams competing for the world championship. China will host Champions for the first time, following Masters Shanghai in 2024.

Four Teams Have Secured Their Places

Four teams have already qualified for the season-ending tournament:

  • JD Gaming - VCT China, Stage 2

  • EDward Gaming - VCT China, Championship Points

  • XLG Gaming - VCT China, Championship Points

  • Paper Rex - VCT Pacific, Championship Points

The remaining 12 spots will be decided across EMEA, Americas, China and Pacific. Each region has two qualification routes: the two finalists from Stage 2 qualify directly, while the two highest-ranked teams in Championship Points that have not already qualified claim the remaining spots.

Teams earn Championship Points through their performances across the season, including Kickoff, Stage 1 and Masters events.

How Will Champions Shanghai Work?

The 16 qualified teams will be divided into four groups of four, with each group featuring one team from each VCT region. The group stage will use a GSL-style double-elimination format, with all matches played as best-of-three series.

The top two teams from each group will advance, creating an eight-team playoff bracket.

Double-Elimination Playoffs

The playoffs will continue with a double-elimination format, giving teams a second chance after their first loss. Matches will generally be best-of-three, while the grand final will be a best-of-five series.

With the tournament scheduled to conclude on October 18, one team will ultimately be crowned the 2026 VALORANT world champion.

Champions Shanghai will also mark the final edition under the current VCT format, ahead of changes to VALORANT's competitive structure in 2027.


Sources:

1.Sheep Esports - VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 Qualified Teams