VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers Begin in November With Four Kickoff Spots per League

Riot Games is opening the VALORANT Champions Tour to more teams outside its partner system in 2027, with a new series of Open Qualifiers creating a direct path from regional competition into VCT Kickoff and potentially all the way to Masters and Champions.

The first VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers will begin in November. Americas, EMEA and Pacific will each send four qualifier teams to their respective Kickoff events, where they will join eight partner teams in a 12-team field. Riot is also introducing fixed qualification payments for non-partner teams that reach major VCT stages.

Open Teams Will Take Four Kickoff Places in Each League

The new structure gives non-partner teams a sizeable presence from the start of the 2027 season. Four of the 12 places at each Americas, EMEA and Pacific Kickoff will come through Open Qualifiers, meaning qualifier teams will make up one-third of each field.

Once there, those teams are not limited to a one-off appearance at Kickoff. Riot says open teams will be able to continue qualifying for Cups, Masters and eventually Champions based on their results.

Regions may also run more than one Open Qualifier, giving teams additional opportunities to enter the VCT during the competitive cycle rather than relying on a single attempt.

China will have its own Open Qualifier, although Riot has not yet detailed how VCT CN’s Kickoff will work under the 2027 system.

Non-Partner Teams Will Receive Qualification Payments

Riot is pairing the expanded competitive pathway with direct financial support. Non-partner teams that qualify for major VCT stages will receive fixed payments while remaining eligible for the applicable tournament prize pools.

Open teams can receive:

An open team could receive up to $1.1 million in support from Riot across the season. More than $7 million in competitive rewards are also planned, including a $1 million prize pool for the end-of-year Game Changers Championship.

The distinction matters because the qualification payments are support for reaching those stages, not replacements for tournament winnings. An eligible non-partner team can receive the fixed payment and still compete for the relevant prize pool.

Teams Need to Start Preparing Before Registration Opens

Registration is not open yet, but Riot wants prospective teams to use the months before November to put together eligible rosters and prepare for the travel requirements that come with reaching VCT competition.

• Teams need to build their competitive roster before qualifiers begin.
• Players should have valid passports and begin any necessary visa or travel preparations.
• Regional VCT channels will announce registration dates, formats, age restrictions and MMR thresholds.
• In most regions, at least 3 of the 5 players on a roster must come from that region.
• Open and creator-led teams that keep at least 3 of their 5 players will retain their competitive progress during the season.
• Team names and branding must not infringe existing trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property.

The three-player continuity requirement means teams cannot freely rebuild their entire lineup while expecting to keep the progress already earned. Maintaining the majority of the roster is what preserves that competitive position through the season.

VCT 2027 Will Have Open Qualifiers Across 16 Regions

Riot has currently identified 16 Open Qualifiers across Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China.

The Southeast Asia qualifier covers the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and the rest of Southeast Asia. Each regional competition will have its own registration information, format and eligibility requirements.

Riot plans to reveal those details alongside the full VCT 2027 calendar in the coming months. For teams hoping to enter the VCT from outside the partner system, the first confirmed step is the opening round of qualifiers in November.