The highly anticipated VCT Americas Kickoff 2026 is all set to unfold from January 15th to February 15th, serving as the opening act for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) in the region. This event not only introduces an exciting new triple-elimination format but also offers participating teams a shot at qualifying for the season’s first grand international event, Masters Santiago. Expect intense competition as teams vie for the coveted top spots and the opportunity to make their mark on the global stage.
VCT Americas Kickoff 2026: Format
The competition adopts a dynamic triple-elimination format, aligning with other regional events. As the excitement builds, VCT Kickoff will feature three best-of-five finals for the upper, middle, and lower brackets. All other matches will proceed in best-of-three format. The top three teams will earn the opportunity to represent the region at Masters Santiago from February 28th to March 15th. Teams will also battle for valuable Americas Points to enhance their qualifications for the VALORANT Champions tournament.
VCT Americas Kickoff 2026: Schedule
Running over five weeks with matches starting at 10 PM BST, the schedule promises gripping esports action. NRG, MIBR, Sentinels, and G2 Esports have secured direct entry into Round 2 of the upper bracket, thanks to their stellar performances at Champions 2025. The remaining teams will face off in Round 1, setting the stage for a thrilling esports showdown. The finals are slated for Week 5 from February 13th-15th, offering fans in Los Angeles a chance to catch the action live at Riot Games Arena. Tickets go on sale December 19th.
VCT Americas Kickoff 2026: Teams
This year’s lineup includes 12 formidable teams, 10 of which have secured permanent league slots as partners until 2027. Among them is NRG, the 2025 VALORANT Champions winner. G2 Esports and ENVY, the Ascension champions, also join the league, with ENVY making its debut in the tier-one scene. The list of competitors reads like a who’s who of VALORANT talent, featuring teams like 100 Thieves, Cloud 9, and Evil Geniuses, all gearing up for an unforgettable tournament. Catch all the action live online through various streaming platforms, available in multiple languages for a global audience.