VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff dates, teams, new format, more

VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff will bring back top-tier VALORANT action this winter from January 2026, featuring over 10 teams battling it out under a brand-new triple elimination format.

The top three teams will qualify for Masters Santiago in 2026. This event marks the start of the new VCT season, introducing two newly promoted Ascension teams, PCIFIC Esports and ULF Esports. With revamped rosters, an expanded format, and four intense weeks of matches, the 2026 Kickoff promises one of the most competitive EMEA stages yet.

Here’s everything you need to know about VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff dates, teams, new format, and a lot more.

VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff schedule

The VCT EMEA 2026 Kickoff starts on Jan. 20 and ends on Feb. 15, 2026. It will run for four weeks in total, and ticket sales go live on Dec. 11, 2025 at 6pm CET, with prices set between 10 to 20 Euros.

Game days will take place from Tuesday through Friday during the first three weeks, followed by a Thursday to Sunday schedule in the fourth week for the bracket finals.

All teams in VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026

A total of 12 teams will battle for three qualification spots to Masters Santiago. Here are all the participating teams:

1. Fnatic
2. Team Liquid
3. GIANTX
4. Team Heretics
5. KOI
6. Team Vitality
7. BBL Esports
8. Gentle Mates
9. Natus Vincere
10. Karmine Corp
11. PCIFIC Esports (Ascension qualifier)
12. ULF Esports (Ascension qualifier)

Fnatic, Team Liquid, GIANTX, and Team Heretics being the four Champions 2025 representatives will receive a Round 2 bye in the Upper Bracket.

New triple elimination format

The biggest change for 2026 is the introduction of a triple elimination format. This gives every roster multiple chances to stay alive in the event.

Teams start in the Upper Bracket and drop to the Middle or Lower Brackets after each loss. Three losses lead to elimination. Every bracket winner earns a spot at Masters Santiago later in February. Unlike past seasons, there will be three separate finals: Upper, Middle, and Lower instead of a single Grand Final. Each final is a best-of-five (BO5) matchup, while all other series will follow best-of-three (BO3) rules.

The opening week kicks off with eight matches across the first two Upper Bracket rounds. In Week two, Middle Bracket Battles and Upper Semifinals take place. Teams dropping from the Upper side will fight through the Middle Bracket early in the week, while Upper Bracket semifinals close out the week.

Week three is Lower Bracket Survival, where the spotlight turns to elimination matches. Teams fight to stay alive, with the potential for deep underdog runs building tension ahead of finals week.

Week four is reserved for Bracket Finals, which take place from Feb. 13 to 15, featuring back-to-back best-of-five series across the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bracket finals.

Crucial Championship Points will also be up for grabs during Kickoff. Winner gets 4 points, 2nd place secures 3 points, 3rd place gets 2 points, and 4th place gets 1 point. At the end of the VCT EMEA season, the top two teams with the most Championship points will qualify for VALORANT Champions Shanghai.

How to watch VCT EMEA Kickoff 2026

You can catch all the action live from VCT EMEA’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.

While you wait for the 2026 VCT Season, take a look at the full list of VCT Awards 2025 winners.