Riot Games has announced sweeping reforms for the 2026 VCT Challengers Asia Pacific, giving regional teams a more direct path to the global stage of VALORANT Champions.
Under the new format, the top teams from Challengers leagues can now earn direct slots to the International Leagues’ Stage 2 Playoffs — bypassing the traditional Ascension route. Asia Pacific will receive four slots: one each for Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, with the final slot decided through a Last Chance Qualifier among South Asia, Oceania, and Southeast Asia’s top finishers.
New structure for Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia’s Challengers will see a major overhaul featuring a new multi-tiered model that emphasizes local representation. Teams from Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines will compete in local qualifiers, leading to a 12-team regional showdown.
Two teams from each local qualifier will move on to the regional stage, joined by top Premier teams from each episode. This structure aims to give more opportunities for grassroots growth and talent development while ensuring every subregion in Southeast Asia gets a fair shot.
Academy teams remain part of Challengers leagues but will no longer have relegation protection beginning 2026. Any Academy squad finishing at the bottom must fight to retain its slot. Each Challengers team that qualifies for the Stage 2 Playoffs will also receive a $75,000 stipend, offering additional support as they advance internationally.
A more open and competitive scene
Riot Games is also removing broadcast exclusivity for Challengers Southeast Asia in 2026, working with regional partners to provide local-language streams. This move is expected to boost fan engagement and accessibility across the region.
Riot emphasized that these changes balance competitive fairness with regional representation while aligning Challengers closer to the international ecosystem. Localized tournament details for each region will be announced soon.
With these updates, Asia Pacific’s road to VALORANT Champions now feels more attainable — and more competitive — than ever.
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