VCT Champions Shanghai 2026: Schedule, Format & Teams Guide

Every era eventually meets its challenger.

In 2026, VCT saw the beginning of that shift. New contenders have emerged, expectations have been broken, and twice at Masters, a new champion has risen.

Now it all comes together in Shanghai, a city where history and the future live side by side. From September 24 to October 18, familiar names, new contenders, and a fearless generation of challengers will compete for the biggest trophy of the year.

Frag or Die is more than the theme of Champions Shanghai. It represents the choice facing every team: evolve, challenge what came before, or make way for what comes next.

Meet the Competitors

Stage 2 and the Play-Ins have decided the field. Sixteen teams from Americas, CN, EMEA, and Pacific are ready for Champions Shanghai.

Tournament Format

https://youtu.be/dWCv6pCEiY8?si=ORBzcVw59Kv3NjxU

Champions Shanghai is split into two stages: Groups Stage and Playoffs.

Sixteen of the world’s best teams will battle to become the 2026 VALORANT World Champion.

Groups Stage (Sept 24 to Oct 4)

Four groups with one representative from each region
Sixteen teams enter. Only eight survive.
Lose two and you’re out.
All matches are Best-of-Three.

Playoffs (Oct 7 to Oct 18)

Double elimination. One loss puts you on the edge.
Two losses send you home.

Schedule

Groups Stage
Sept 24, Thursday – Groups Stage (Day 1)
Sept 25, Friday – Groups Stage (Day 2)
Sept 26, Saturday – Groups Stage (Day 3)
Sept 27, Sunday – Groups Stage (Day 4)
Dark Day
Sept 28, Monday – No Matches
Groups Stage
Sept 29, Tuesday – Groups Stage (Day 5)
Sept 30, Wednesday – Groups Stage (Day 6)
Oct 1, Thursday – Groups Stage (Day 7)
Oct 2, Friday – Groups Stage (Day 8)
Oct 3, Saturday – Groups Stage (Day 9)
Oct 4, Sunday – Groups Stage (Day 10)
Dark Days
Oct 5, Monday – No Matches
Oct 6, Tuesday – No Matches
Playoffs Stage
Oct 7, Wednesday – Playoffs Stage (Day 6)
Oct 8, Thursday – Playoffs Stage (Day 7)
Oct 9, Friday – Playoffs Stage (Day 8)
Oct 10, Saturday – Playoffs Stage (Day 9)
Oct 11, Sunday – Playoffs Stage (Day 10)
Dark Days
Oct 12, Monday – No Matches
Oct 13, Tuesday – No Matches
Oct 14, Wednesday – No Matches
Oct 15, Thursday – No Matches
Finals
Oct 16, Friday – Playoffs Stage (Day 11)
Oct 17, Saturday – Lower Bracket Final (Day 12)
Oct 18, Sunday – Grand Final (Day 13)

Tournament MVP

There can only be one Champions Shanghai MVP. It comes down to who made the biggest impact, stayed consistent, and delivered when it mattered most. Talent, co-streamers, and media will decide who truly stood out.

Don’t miss the moment after the final when the MVP is crowned!

Drops and Pick'Ems powered by AWS

Tune in live to Champions Shanghai to earn exclusive Drops, including a special Title. Lock in your predictions and see how your reads stack up against the world.

Shotcall

Champions Shanghai will also feature Shotcall, a live Twitch extension that puts your VCT predictions to the test. Predict maps, rounds, and clutch moments as they happen, earn points, and climb the global leaderboard.