The anticipation is building as the 2026 VCT China Kickoff is all set to blaze new trails in the esports scene. With Riot Games unveiling this event as the initial highlight of its regional roadshow, fans are eager to witness the electrifying action. Scheduled to commence on January 22nd, twelve elite teams will compete fiercely in front of a live audience to seize the coveted trophy and secure qualification for the year’s first Masters event in Chile.
VCT China is the Only International League Without a New Team
Unlike other global regions, VCT China stands unique, with both Dragon Ranger Gaming and Xai Li Gaming retaining their spots in the VCT International League since 2024. XLG earned its spot by performing exceptionally in the VALORANT Champions Paris, while DRG made a comeback by triumphing in the Ascension China 2025. Here are the teams to watch at the VCT China Kickoff 2026:
| All Gamers | Dragon Ranger Gaming |
| Nova Esports | Xi Lai Gaming |
| JDG Esports | EDward Gaming |
| Trace Esports | TYLOO |
| FunPlus Phoenix | Wolves Esports |
| Bilibili Gaming | Titan Esports Club |
VCT China Kickoff Format and Opening Matches
The tournament will adopt a triple-elimination format, giving previous VALORANT Champions participants a direct bye to the second round of the upper bracket. Teams like EDward Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, Xai Li Gaming, and Dragon Ranger Gaming are among those receiving this advantage. Fans can anticipate thrilling clashes as the competition unfolds:
- Match 1: All Gamers vs Nova Esports
- Match 2: JDG Esports vs Titan Esports Club
- Match 3: Trace Esports vs Wolves Esports
- Match 4: FunPlus Phoenix vs TYLOO
In the end, the top three teams will secure their spots at Masters Santiago, taking place from February 28th to March 15th.
Championship Points Allocation and Broadcast Details
Competing teams will also vie for Championship Points, crucial for the upcoming VALORANT Champions 2026 in Shanghai. The distribution of points is as follows:
- 1st Place: 4 Championship Points
- 2nd Place: 3 Championship Points
- 3rd Place: 2 Championship Points
- 4th Place: 1 Championship Points
Fans can catch all the action through VCT China’s official channels on Bilibili, Twitch, and YouTube.