For 2026, the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) has four international league territories: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China. Its season runs from regional Kickoff and Stage events to Masters tournaments and Champions Shanghai, but each event can use a different bracket and qualification system. This FAQ explains the 2026 structure and where to verify current team lineups.
What are the VCT regions in 2026?
Riot identifies four international league territories, using these official names: VCT Americas, VCT EMEA, VCT Pacific, and VCT China. The 2026 League Handbook describes them as territories when explaining qualification. They are the VCT’s international leagues, not a catch-all label for every national or community VALORANT competition. See Riot’s 2026 VCT League Handbook and official schedule.
What is the 2026 VCT event order?
Riot’s schedule lists the 2026 season in this order. Dates below are the schedule dates shown on Riot’s page; consult it for current fixtures, results, or updates.
| Event | Scheduled dates | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | Jan 15–Feb 15, 2026 | Regional |
| Masters Santiago | Feb 28–Mar 16, 2026 | Global |
| Stage 1 | Apr 1–May 24, 2026 | Regional |
| Masters London | Jun 6–Jun 21, 2026 | Global |
| Stage 2 | Jun 30–Sep 6, 2026 | Regional |
| Champions Shanghai | Sep 24–Oct 18, 2026 | Global |
Riot’s 2026 VCT schedule is the place to check event information as it changes.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How does a team qualify for Masters and Champions?
Masters Santiago
Under the 2026 handbook, the first-, second-, and third-place teams from each territory’s Kickoff qualify for Masters Santiago. That makes Kickoff a regional route into the first global Masters event of the season.
Champions Shanghai
For Champions Shanghai, each territory sends its top two teams from the Stage 2 playoffs and its top two Championship Point earners, as described in Riot’s 2026 handbook. The handbook therefore identifies two qualification routes per territory: playoff placement and Championship Points.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
These are 2026 rules. Do not assume that a future season will use the same qualification path.
What is the VALORANT tournament format?
There is no single bracket format for every VCT event. The event’s stage and purpose matter: a regional event can determine who advances internationally, while Masters and Champions are global tournaments with their own structures.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| 2026 event | Teams and structure | Match and qualification details |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff | 12-team triple-elimination bracket | The four teams that qualified to Champions in 2025 receive a first-round bye. The first three finishers in each territory qualify for Masters Santiago. |
| Champions Shanghai | 16 teams begin in four GSL groups; the top two from each group advance to an eight-team double-elimination playoff | Group matches are best of three (Bo3). The lower final and grand final are best of five (Bo5). |
| VCT Americas Stage 1 | Two groups of six play single round robins; the top four in each group advance to double-elimination playoffs | Group matches are Bo3. Three teams qualify for Masters London. This is the Americas Stage 1 format described by Riot on March 19, 2026, not a universal rule for every region or split. |
The formats above are event-specific examples from Riot’s 2026 VCT League Handbook and its VCT Americas Stage 1 explainer. When checking a tournament, look at its team count, group or bracket structure, match length, and qualification slots rather than assuming one VCT-wide format.
Where can I find current VALORANT team rosters?
A tournament schedule or qualification list identifies organizations, not necessarily the players currently on their active lineup. The official 2026 event material does not provide a comprehensive player-by-player roster directory for all four territories. To confirm a specific player, substitute, or role, use the relevant official team or event page and check when that lineup information was last updated. Do not infer an active roster from an organization’s appearance on a schedule.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is the VCT format changing in 2027?
Riot’s April 8, 2026 announcement says the VCT plans to move to an open-qualification, tournament-oriented model in 2027. Riot stated: “Starting in 2027, the path to all Masters and Champions will begin with Open Qualifiers available to any team across the world.” The announcement describes open qualifiers feeding new Cups and opportunities to reach Masters and Champions.
That announced direction is separate from the 2026 rules described above. Riot said regional calendars, slot allocations, Game Changers details, and event locations would be shared later, so those specifics should not be treated as settled. Read Riot’s April 8, 2026 VCT update for the announcement and subsequent updates.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
