The road to VCT 2027 starts in November 2026. Riot Games has confirmed that Open Qualifiers for next season's Kickoff events will begin this year, giving aspiring VALORANT teams a chance to enter the circuit. Riot Games' announcement.
The change foes beyond Kickoff. Riot's new tournament model creates repeated opportunities for teams outside its partnership program to reach Masters and Champions, replacing the previous season-long push for promotion through Ascension.
When do VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers start?
Qualifier begin in November 2026. Riot's September 8 update leaves exact regional dates, registration windows and the full season calendar pending. Some regions may run multiple qualifiers.
Which regions have Open Qualifiers?
Riot lists 16 qualifier regions across four VCT territories:
VCT territory | Qualifier regions |
|---|---|
Americas | North America, Latin America North, Latin America South, Brazil |
EMEA | Europe, Türkiye, MENA |
Pacific | South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania |
China | China |
The Southeast Asia qualifier covers the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia outside the separately listed regions. Riot’s regional qualifier list
How many teams can qualify for Kickoff?
Americas, EMEA and Pacific will each have eight partner teams and four Open Qualifier teams at Kickoff.
China’s 12-team field differs: eight partner teams, two visitor teams and two Open Qualifier teams. South Asia and Oceania will also have a Pacific Last Chance Qualifier pathway into Kickoff and Cups.
How much money can non-partner teams earn?
Riot has announced fixed qualification payments:
Event reached | Qualification payment |
|---|---|
Kickoff or a Cup | $100,000 |
Masters | $200,000 |
Champions | $400,000 |
These are payments for reaching those stages. Eligible teams can also earn tournament prize money, so the $400,000 Champions payment should not be described as the event’s prize pool. Riot’s financial support details
How can teams prepare?
Teams should follow regional announcements for registration, age requirements and MMR thresholds. Riot says most regions will require at least three of five players to be from that region. Players should also prepare valid passports and any necessary travel documents.
Open and creator-led teams must retain at least three players to preserve their competitive progress throughout the season. Riot’s roster continuity rules
What changes after Kickoff?
Cups replace regular-season league play, with two planned per territory each year. These LAN tournaments will qualify teams for Masters and Champions, giving aspiring rosters more opportunities to reach international competition.
Partner status will not guarantee a place in every Cup in Americas, EMEA or Pacific. Teams that fall short can drop into Open Playoffs and have to earn their way back. China retains a different arrangement, with partner and visitor teams receiving direct entry into Kickoff and the first two Cups.