VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers start in November as Riot reveals open path

Riot Games has confirmed that VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers will begin in November 2026. This will give amateur and other teams a clearer route to the biggest stages in competitive VALORANT.

This marks one of the biggest structural changes to the VCT since the partner team era began. From 2027 onward, open teams will play for a spot at Kickoff, plus have a path to Cups, Masters and even Champions, with financial support attached to strong results.

The new system will have three main regions, Americas, EMEA and Pacific, and each will send 12 teams to VCT Kickoff. Eight of those slots will go to partner organizations, while the remaining four will come through Open Qualifiers.

Non-partner teams that reach major VCT stages in 2027 will receive fixed qualification payments. Those teams will also be eligible for prize money at applicable events.

Regions may host multiple Open Qualifiers during the season. That means a team that misses one shot will not necessarily be done for the year. Depending on how each region designs its pathway, squads could have several opportunities to punch their ticket to Kickoff. More details are expected to follow from Riot in their coming announcements.

What teams need to do now

Teams do not need to register immediately. With qualifiers starting in November, rosters that want to compete should start preparing from now on. They need to build a stable five-player lineup, while making sure every player has a valid passport and beginning any required visa or travel planning early.

In most regions, at least three of the five players on a roster must be from that region. Teams will also need to think carefully about roster continuity. Open and creator-led squads that keep at least three of their five players will retain their competitive progress throughout the season.

In the Americas, qualifiers are planned for North America, Latin America North, Latin America South, and Brazil. EMEA will run Open Qualifiers for Europe, Türkiye and the MENA region. The Pacific side lists South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania. The Southeast Asia qualifier will cover the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of the region. China will also host its own Open Qualifiers. Riot will release a full-year calendar and more detailed information soon.

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