VCT 2027 replaces regular seasons with open Cups

The VCT 2027 format will replace long-form regular seasons with tournament Cups and expand access through open qualifiers. Partner teams retain an initial advantage, but continued participation depends more heavily on results.

Kickoff in Americas, Pacific and EMEA will feature 12 teams: eight partner teams and four open-qualifier teams. The top three teams from each territory advance from Kickoff to Masters.

Partner status no longer guarantees every Cup

Partner teams enter Kickoff directly, but Riot says they will not automatically qualify for every Cup. Teams that miss the leading positions at a Cup or Masters move into Open Playoffs and must earn their way back.

VCT China uses a different starting field. Its 12-team Kickoff includes eight partner teams, two visitor teams and two open-qualifier teams. Partner and visitor teams also receive direct entry to the first two Cups.

Pacific adds a Last Chance Qualifier for leading teams from South Asia and Oceania. Riot’s stated aim is to connect those subregions to Kickoff and Cup qualification.

Open teams receive fixed qualification payments

Non-partner teams that qualify for Kickoff or a Cup receive $100,000. Reaching Masters raises the fixed payment to $200,000, while Champions qualification is worth $400,000. These payments are separate from available prize money and other incentives.

Roster continuity determines whether an open team keeps its progress. A team must retain at least three of five players to preserve points and competitive standing.

The change makes format literacy important for teams and readers. Our guide to tournament format trade-offs explains how different structures reward consistency, while the 2026 Americas Play-In overview shows the more limited open pathway used this season.

Riot announced the framework in June 2026. Specific event locations, full calendars and qualified teams require later official confirmation.

Source: Riot Games, June 18, 2026.