VCT Pacific 2026 Format and Schedule Revealed: Teams, Kickoff Changes, and Champions Path Explained
- Aut0
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Riot Games has officially released the season primer for VCT Pacific 2026, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most competitive regions in VALORANT esports. The upcoming season introduces two new teams, a reworked Pacific Kickoff format, the return of Championship Points, and most notably a direct path for Challengers teams to qualify for Champions through Stage 2.
The VCT Pacific 2026 format and schedule signals Riot’s push toward a more competitive, inclusive, and high-frequency season structure.
VCT Pacific 2026 Teams: Full List
The VCT Pacific League will feature 12 teams in 2026:
Paper Rex
Gen.G
DRX
Rex Regum Qeon
T1
FULL SENSE
Global Esports
Team Secret
ZETA DIVISION
DetonatioN FocusMe
Nongshim RedForce
VARREL
What’s New in VCT Pacific 2026?
Two major changes define the VCT Pacific 2026 format:
FULL SENSE replaces TALON as a partnered organization
Nongshim RedForce returns for a second year after winning the Ascension gauntlet
SLT Seongnam enters VCT Pacific under the VARREL banner
Additionally, Championship Points make a return, adding another qualification route to Champions alongside Stage 2 playoffs.
Pacific Kickoff 2026: Triple-Elimination Format Explained
The Pacific Kickoff will run from January 22 to February 15, and for the first time in league history, it will use a triple-elimination bracket.
Key Highlights
Teams are eliminated only after three losses
Three slots are available for Masters Santiago
Teams that qualified for Champions Paris receive a first-round upper-bracket bye
Remaining teams are seeded via random draw
This new format guarantees more matches per team, reduced downtime between Kickoff and Stage 1, and better competitive consistency across the region.
Stage 1: Format and Masters London Qualification
Stage 1 will run from April 3 to May 17, following a familiar structure:
Two groups of six teams
Round-robin, Best-of-3 matches
Top four teams per group advance to playoffs
Stage 1 Playoffs
8 teams, double-elimination bracket
Best-of-3 matches
Lower Final & Grand Final: Best-of-5
Group winners earn upper-bracket byes
Fourth-place teams start in the lower bracket
**Top 3 teams qualify for Masters London
Stage 2: Champions Shanghai Qualification Path
Stage 2 runs from July 16 to September 6 and introduces the most impactful structural change of the season.
Group Stage
Two groups of six teams
Top 2 teams from each group qualify directly to playoffs
Play-In Stage
Teams placed 3rd–6th enter Play-Ins
Joined by four Challengers teams
Double-elimination bracket
Top 4 teams advance to playoffs
Stage 2 Playoffs
8 teams, double-elimination
Best-of-3 matches
Lower Final & Grand Final: Best-of-5
**Top 2 teams qualify for Champions 2026
**Next 2 teams qualify via Championship Points
This structure officially opens the door for Challengers teams to reach Champions, a landmark change for Pacific VALORANT.
VCT Pacific 2026 Schedule Overview
Event | Dates |
Kickoff | January 22 – February 15 |
Stage 1 | April 3 – May 17 |
Stage 2 | July 16 – September 6 |
Match Start Times
15:00 GMT+7
16:00 GMT+8
17:00 GMT+9
Where to Watch VCT Pacific 2026
All VCT Pacific matches will be broadcast with local-language coverage across:
SOOP
Twitch
YouTube
Chzzk
Additional regional platforms
The VCT Pacific 2026 format and schedule reflects Riot’s most ambitious regional overhaul yet—prioritizing competitive depth, viewer engagement, and upward mobility for Tier-2 teams. With expanded formats, more international slots, and clearer Champions pathways, Pacific is set to deliver one of its most competitive seasons ever.
