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VALORANT Champions 2026 is almost here, bringing the world's best VALORANT teams together in Shanghai, China, for the biggest tournament of the VCT season. The event will take place from September 24 to October 18, with 16 teams competing for the world championship and a $2.25 million prize pool.
Champions 2026 will be the first VALORANT Champions event hosted in China and the final edition under the current franchise-era structure before the competitive format changes in 2027.
Here is everything you need to know about VALORANT Champions 2026, including the dates, format, opening matches, qualified teams, venues, live-stream options, broadcasts and viewer rewards.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Dates, Schedule and Venue
VALORANT Champions 2026 will run from September 24 through October 18, 2026, covering the Group Stage and Playoffs before the tournament concludes with the Grand Final.
The main stages are:
- Group Stage: September 24 - October 4
- Playoffs: October 7 - October 18
- Grand Final: October 18
The Group Stage and early playoff matches will be held at Jing’an Sports Center in Shanghai. Finals Weekend will move to the larger Mercedes-Benz Arena in Pudong.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Format: Group Stage and Playoffs Explained
The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups of four. Each group includes one team from each of the four VCT regions.
The Group Stage will use a double-elimination GSL-style format, with every match played as a best-of-three (BO3).
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the eight-team playoff bracket.
The Playoffs will also follow a double-elimination format, giving teams another opportunity to remain in contention after a loss.
Most playoff matches will be best-of-three, while the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final will be best-of-five (BO5) series.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Opening Matches: Full Match Schedule
The first matches of Champions 2026 will begin on September 24, with the remaining groups starting over the next three days.
September 24 - Group C
- Team Liquid vs Paper Rex
- TYLOO vs G2 Esports
September 25 - Group D
- Nongshim RedForce vs NRG
- Karmine Corp vs Xi Lai Gaming
September 26 - Group B
- Global Esports vs Team Vitality
- LOUD vs EDward Gaming
September 27 - Group A
- 100 Thieves vs T1
- JD Gaming vs FUT Esports
All opening matches will be played as best-of-three series.
Exact start times can vary depending on the viewer's region. Fans should check the official VALORANT Esports schedule for the latest match timings.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Teams: All 16 Qualified Teams
Sixteen teams have qualified for Champions 2026 through Stage 2 results and Championship Points.
Americas
- 100 Thieves
- LOUD
- NRG
- G2 Esports
EMEA
- Karmine Corp
- Team Liquid
- FUT Esports
- Team Vitality
Pacific
- Global Esports
- Nongshim RedForce
- Paper Rex
- T1
China
- TYLOO
- JD Gaming
- EDward Gaming
- Xi Lai Gaming
NRG enter Champions 2026 as the defending champions, while China's four representatives will compete at the first Champions event hosted in the country.
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How to Watch VALORANT Champions 2026 Live Online
Wondering how to watch VALORANT Champions 2026? Fans can follow the tournament live through official VALORANT Esports broadcasts.
The event will be streamed for free across major platforms, including:
- YouTube
- Twitch
- TikTok
Regional VALORANT Esports channels will also provide coverage for audiences across the Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Broadcasts: YouTube, Twitch and TikTok
Official broadcasts will be available in multiple languages to make the tournament accessible to fans around the world.
Coverage is expected in languages including:
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Japanese
- Vietnamese
- Korean
- Indonesian
- French
- Turkish
- Chinese
- Ukrainian
Fans should look for the official VALORANT Esports and VCT regional channels on supported platforms when the matches go live.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Co-Streams: FNS, Tarik and More
Fans who prefer creator-led commentary can also follow community co-streams during the tournament.
Popular VALORANT personalities such as FNS, tarik and mixwell are among the creators who can offer alternative commentary and reactions during Champions coverage.
Co-stream availability can vary by match and region, so viewers should check individual creator channels for their Champions 2026 streams.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Drops: How to Get Viewer Rewards
VALORANT Champions 2026 will also feature viewer rewards and Drops during the tournament.
Fans should watch eligible official broadcasts live and follow the official VALORANT instructions for account connections and reward eligibility.
Exclusive event rewards, including titles, are expected to be part of the Champions viewing experience.
Where to Check VALORANT Champions 2026 Results and Live Updates
Fans can follow the tournament across official and community esports platforms for the latest match information.
The VALORANT Esports website will provide official tournament information, while VLR.gg and Liquipedia will offer schedules, results, brackets and team information.
Since match timings can vary by region, viewers should check the latest schedule before each series.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Venues: Shanghai Stadium Details
Champions 2026 will be hosted across two major venues in Shanghai.
Jing’an Sports Center
The Group Stage and early playoff matches will take place at Jing’an Sports Center.
Mercedes-Benz Arena
The tournament will move to the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Pudong for Finals Weekend, where the final stages of the competition will take place.
The venue will host the biggest matches as the remaining teams battle for the VALORANT world championship.
VALORANT Champions 2026 Schedule at a Glance
| Stage | Date | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | September 24 - October 4 | Double-elimination, BO3 | Jing’an Sports Center |
| Playoffs | October 7 - October 18 | Double-elimination | Shanghai |
| Lower Bracket Final | October 18 | BO5 | Mercedes-Benz Arena |
| Grand Final | October 18 | BO5 | Mercedes-Benz Arena |
Why VALORANT Champions 2026 Is a Must-Watch Event
Champions 2026 has several milestones attached to it. It will be the first VALORANT Champions tournament hosted in China and the final edition under the current franchise-era structure before changes arrive in 2027.
The event also brings together 16 teams from four international regions, with a $2.25 million prize pool at stake.
From the opening matches on September 24 to the Grand Final on October 18, fans will get several weeks of international VALORANT competition in Shanghai.
VALORANT Champions 2026: Everything You Need to Know
VALORANT Champions 2026 begins on September 24 and runs until October 18 in Shanghai, China.
Fans can watch the tournament through official broadcasts on YouTube, Twitch and TikTok, while VLR.gg and Liquipedia can be used to follow schedules, results and tournament information.
With 16 teams, a double-elimination format and a $2.25 million prize pool, Champions 2026 will bring the VCT season to a major conclusion before the competitive structure changes in 2027.
