The VALORANT Challengers North America 2026 is set to be an exhilarating event, as two free-agent teams, Rose and F/A Ex-Cubert Academy, have been disqualified due to not meeting certain eligibility requirements. Their departure makes way for new talent, with replacements to be determined through an open competition.
Changes in Team Line-Up
Reports suggest the disqualification of Rose and F/A Ex-Cubert Academy has opened up opportunities for other aspiring teams as slots will now be filled by winners from an open tournament. The excitement continues as 64 teams prepare to compete in single-elimination Open Qualifiers starting January 5th, with the top two advancing to Closed Qualifiers.
The double-elimination Closed Qualifiers, from January 8th to 10th, will include strong contenders such as Burger boyz and Fraud Uni, alongside top teams from the Open Qualifiers. The victors here will secure a place in VALORANT Challengers NA Stage 1.
Roadmap for VALORANT Challengers NA 2026
The tournament will unfold over three stages, with the winner of Stage 3 earning a coveted spot in the VCT Americas Stage 2 Playoffs. Stages 1 and 2 will incorporate Promotion & Relegation tournaments, allowing the best Premier squads a chance to rise. Meanwhile, Stage 3 will feature a Last Chance Qualifier, where top teams from North America, Brazil, and LATAM will clash.
The Teams to Watch
In the wake of the recent team changes, here are the confirmed competitors for Stage 1: Relaxed Reptilians, Alliance Guardians, F/A Ex – TSM, Shopify Rebellion Black, YFP, QoR, SaD Esports, BOX OF ROCKETZ, Maryville University, Nightblood Gaming, Evil Geniuses Academy, Blue Otter, Winthrop University, and Pigeons.
Challengers NA Stage 1 will commence on January 19th and run until March 12th, offering fans an exciting lineup of matches through various stages. Tune in to the official channels on Twitch and YouTube to catch all the live action.