Valorant’s biggest event of the year is here. Champions 2026 brings 16 teams from four international leagues to Paris, France, for a two-week tournament that will crown the world’s best Valorant team. With a $2.25 million prize pool and the Champions trophy on the line, here’s everything you need to know.
Tournament Format
Champions 2026 uses a modified double-elimination format:
- Group Stage (Sept 1-7): 4 groups of 4 teams, GSL format. Top 2 from each group advance.
- Playoffs (Sept 10-14): 8 teams, double elimination. Upper bracket starts in quarterfinals.
- Grand Final (Sept 21): Upper bracket winner vs Lower bracket winner. Best of 5.
- Venue: Accor Arena, Paris. 20,300 capacity. Tickets sold out in 4 minutes.
The Teams
16 teams qualified through their respective international leagues and Masters events:
Americas (4 teams)
- SentinelS — VCT Americas Stage 2 winners. ShahZaM’s return to form has been the story of the year.
- LOUD — The Brazilian giants are back. Saadhak’s IGLing remains world-class.
- 100 Thieves — Hiko’s retirement tour has fueled a deep playoff run.
- Cloud9 — The dark horse. Leaf’s Jett is the most mechanically skilled player in the world right now.
EMEA (4 teams)
- Fnatic — VCT EMEA Stage 2 champions. Boaster’s strategic depth makes Fnatic the tournament favorite.
- Team Liquid — ScreaM’s mechanical prowess carries them through tough matchups.
- NAVI — The CIS powerhouse. cNed’s Chamber is still the best in the world.
- Heretics — The Spanish squad’s aggressive style upset everyone at Masters Shanghai.
Pacific (4 teams)
- Paper Rex — The most entertaining team in Valorant. Their W-gaming style wins fans and matches.
- T1 — The Korean squad has finally found consistency under xccurate’s leadership.
- ZETA DIVISION — Japan’s hope. Laz’s IGLing has improved dramatically.
- DRX — The tactical depth of this team is unmatched in the Pacific league.
China (4 teams)
- EDward Gaming — VCT China’s dominant force. KangKang’s Raze is must-see TV.
- FunPlus Phoenix — The Chinese league’s most strategic team.
- Bilibili Gaming — Young roster with massive potential.
- Trace Esports — Surprise qualifiers who upset everyone at VCT China Stage 2.
Predictions
Favorites: Fnatic, Sentinels, Paper Rex
Dark horse: Cloud9 — Leaf’s form could carry them past anyone
Player to watch: KangKang (EDG) — His Raze ultimate placement is genuinely innovative
Predicted Grand Final: Fnatic vs Sentinels — A rematch of 2024’s final. Fnatic takes it 3-2.
Watch Parties and Events
Champions 2026 will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, and for the first time, TikTok Live. Riot Games is also hosting official watch parties in 50 cities worldwide. In Paris, a fan zone at Champs de Mars will feature demos, meet-and-greets with pro players, and a live viewing of the Grand Final.
Champions 2026 promises to be the biggest Valorant event yet. Whether Fnatic can defend their crown or a new champion rises, September 21 will be a night to remember.