Riot has unveiled new details for VCT 2027, giving a further look into regional competitions, financial rewards, and qualification paths for Cups and Global events next year. The structure adds onto Riot's previously announced tournament-centric model for VCT. Here's a further look at how the Valorant Champions Tour will look starting next year.

12-Team Triple Elimination Kickoffs return

To start, the 12-team, triple-elimination Kickoff format will be returning in 2027. Kickoff tournaments in the Americas, EMEA, and Pacific regions will feature 12 teams, with eight being partnered teams and four teams earning their way in through Open Qualifiers. The top three teams from each Kickoff will qualify directly to Masters. Partnered teams will receive direct entry into Kickoff, but are not guaranteed participation in future Cups, replacing Stages in 2027. This means that even partnered teams must continue qualifying through performance.

The 2027 Calendar. (Image by Riot Games)

Partner teams that fail to place highly at Cups or Masters will move into Open Playoffs, meaning they must earn their way back in. Partner teams without previous results, or teams eliminated early in Open competition, will begin again through Open Qualifiers. A system of continuous promotion and relegation throughout the season aims to ensure every match carries competitive consequences. Additionally, Riot shared that South Asia and Oceania will qualify for events through the Pacific Wild Card pathway, detailed later.

VCT 2027 Regions

The 14 regions for 2027. (Image by Riot Games)

Starting next year, VCT will be split into 14 regional competitions that will make up the global ecosystem. The regional competitions will serve as the foundations for qualification into regional Cups. The regions are as follows:

• VCT Americas: North America, LATAM North, LATAM South, Brazil
• VCT EMEA: Europe, Türkiye, MENA
• VCT Pacific: South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Wild Card (Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Rest of SEA)
• VCT China: China

In the new format, Riot highlighted new, expanded opportunities across Pacific. Specifically, dedicated regions for Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, as well as new pathways for teams and players in regions where the game is still growing.

China will maintain what Riot calls a "Visitor Team Model", with eight partnered teams, two visitor teams, and two Open Qualifier teams at Kickoff. Visitor teams and partner teams receive direct entry into Kickoff and the first two Cups. Riot cited that the model "provides promotion and relegation opportunities unique to the Chinese ecosystem."

Additionally, an emphasis on roster continuity was made. Open and creator-led teams can retain their competitive progress by maintaining at least three of their five starting players. Teams that meet the roster continuity requirement will keep their points and qualification status throughout the season. The system is designed to help emerging organizations build momentum to establish competitive identities.

Open Qualification payouts

The Open Qualification rewards system coming 2027. (Image by Riot Games)

Non-partner teams will also receive guaranteed financial support tied to competitive achievement. The payouts are in addition to tournament prize pools, travel support, and other ecosystem incentives. The payouts are as follows:

• Qualification for Kickoff or a Cup: $100,000 USD
• Qualification for Masters: $200,000 USD
• Qualification for Champions: $400,000 USD

Game Changers teams will also receive additional incentives, as non-partner teams that qualify for the Game Changers Championship will receive an additionaly $100,000 USD incentive payment.

Leo Faria, Global Head of Valorant Esports, said: "VCT 2027 is built around a simple belief: the best teams should earn their place every step of the way and every match matters. We wanted to create a system that rewards performance, opens more opportunities for teams around the world, and makes every match feel meaningful. By creating more paths into top-level competition and providing meaningful financial support for teams that qualify, we're building a more open, engaging, and competitive future for Valorant Esports. One where any team can rise, every event matters, and fans have more reasons to follow the journey from local competition all the way to Champions."

Additionally, further details on slot allocation, regional qualification formats, and partner team selection will be shared ahead of Champions Shanghai.