The 2026 competitive season for VALORANT in the Pacific region is set to launch with the VCT Pacific Kickoff. This initial tournament is not merely a formality; it is a critical proving ground, defining the early hierarchy and determining which squads earn the distinct privilege of representing the region at the first global event of the year: VALORANT Masters Santiago.
Scheduled to run from January 22nd to February 15th, the tournament brings together 10 established partner organizations and two newly ascended Challengers teams. All eyes will be on the Sangam Colosseum in South Korea, where the pressure cooker environment will expose the initial strategies and roster adjustments implemented during the off-season.
The New Labyrinth: Analyzing the Triple-Elimination Format
In alignment with other International Leagues, the Pacific Kickoff is adopting a restructured and significantly more demanding triple-elimination bracket. This format is, objectively, a logistical labyrinth designed to reward consistency and endurance. Instead of the typical double-elimination structure, teams now navigate three separate phases: the Upper, Middle, and Lower brackets. Simply put, surviving the Kickoff requires an unprecedented degree of resilience.
The structure immediately provides an advantage to the region`s elite. Organizations that secured qualification for VALORANT Champions 2025—specifically T1, Paper Rex, DRX, and RRQ—will receive a direct bye, skipping the grueling first round and beginning their campaign in the second round of the Upper Bracket. This competitive head start is a tangible reward for previous success.
The remaining eight teams, including the two Ascension victors, must immediately clash in the opening round. The stakes are immense, as the ultimate goal is simple: only the winners of the Upper, Middle, and Lower brackets will progress to Masters Santiago.
Opening Matchups: Where the Action Begins
While specific match timings are pending, Riot Games has outlined the initial pairings that will set the stage for the Pacific season:
- Match 1: Nongshim RedForce vs Team Secret
- Match 2: ZETA DIVISION vs FULL SENSE
- Match 3: VARREL vs Global Esports
- Match 4: DetonatioN FocusMe vs Gen.G Esports
The winners of these initial duels will face the pre-seeded teams in the second round, initiating the high-stakes phase of the tournament:
- T1 vs Winner of Match 1
- DRX vs Winner of Match 2
- Paper Rex vs Winner of Match 3
- RRQ vs Winner of Match 4
The Long Game: Championship Points and VCT Champions 2026
Beyond the immediate goal of securing a spot at Masters Santiago (February 28th to March 15th), the Kickoff event carries significant weight for the entire season. Championship Points are crucial currency in the VCT ecosystem, directly contributing toward qualification for the premier event: VALORANT Champions 2026 Shanghai.
Only the top four teams at the VCT Pacific Kickoff will be allocated these points, emphasizing that performance, not just qualification, is paramount:
| Placement | Championship Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 4 Championship Points |
| 2nd Place | 3 Championship Points |
| 3rd Place | 2 Championship Points |
| 4th Place | 1 Championship Point |
This point structure ensures that even teams that narrowly miss out on a Masters slot still gain a vital competitive advantage for the later stages of the VCT calendar. The Kickoff is thus a comprehensive indicator of regional strength, setting the tone for the long, demanding road to Shanghai.
Fans can follow the action through the official VCT Pacific channels on popular streaming platforms, or via sanctioned community co-streams, ensuring extensive coverage of this pivotal season opener.
