The excitement is building as the VCT Americas Kickoff 2026 prepares to set the stage for an electrifying start to the new VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) season. From January 15th to February 15th, fans will witness top-tier esports action with a chance for teams to qualify for the prestigious Masters Santiago.
New Tournament Format and Opportunities
The 2026 VCT Americas Kickoff introduces a thrilling triple-elimination format. Twelve teams will battle for supremacy and qualification for Masters Santiago, the season’s first global VCT event. This innovative format will see teams compete in best-of-five finals across three brackets, while all other matches adopt a best-of-three setup.
Schedule and Viewing Options
Spanning five weeks, the tournament kicks off each match day at 10 PM BST. NRG, MIBR, Sentinels, and G2 Esports, honored for their performance in Champions 2025, have earned direct byes into the upper bracket’s second round. Matches to watch in Round 1 include ENVY vs. Evil Geniuses and LOUD vs. Cloud 9. The finals are scheduled for February 13th-15th, promising a thrilling conclusion. Fans can catch the action live at Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles or via multiple streaming platforms, with tickets available from December 19th.
Teams Ready for Battle
The lineup features twelve formidable teams, including ten partners with secured league slots until 2027, such as 2025 VALORANT Champions winner NRG. Joining them are Ascension 2023 and 2025 winners G2 Esports and ENVY, marking ENVY’s debut in VALORANT tier-one competition. The stage is set for a gripping showdown between America’s best.