All players making their VALORANT Champions debut in 2026

At VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Champions Shanghai, the best 80 players in the world will give it their all as they battle for the most prestigious trophy of the season. For 35 of them, however, the tournament carries an even greater significance, as it marks their first-ever appearance on the Champions stage.

You never forget your first time, and this will undoubtedly be a tournament to remember for all of them, as it marks the end of the 2026 season and the beginning of a new era for VALORANT.

The new faces of the Champions 2026

In 2026, 35 players will make their Champions debut, accounting for 43.75% of the 80 players competing at the event. Among all the teams competing, only NRG, EDward Gaming, and T1 have full rosters featuring players with previous Champions experience.

Europe leads the way with the most players making their Champions debut, with 10 first-time competitors at the event. China follows with nine debutants, while the Americas and Pacific each have eight.

As for the players, only two teams will field a full roster making their VALORANT Champions debut in 2026. Both LOUD and TYLOO are bringing new blood to the competition, with LOUD standing out as all five players will be competing internationally for the first time. TYLOO, meanwhile, has one player with previous international experience, Pong "SiuFatBB" Ka Hei.

This Champions will also be a special milestone for Ștefan "Sayonara" Mîtcu and David "DaviH" Cruz, as they become the first players from their respective countries, Moldova and Portugal, to compete at the event.

In the 2026 edition, Ognjen "GSR" Bondžić will be the youngest player in the competition at 18 years old, while Andrej "babybay" Francisty will be the oldest at 31.

VALORANT Champions 2026

Regardless of age, nationality, or team, VALORANT Champions remains an event no fan will want to miss. Every match matters, and for many players, the tournament represents the biggest stage of their careers.

While it is still too early to know who will lift the trophy, fans can expect top-level VALORANT action in Shanghai from September 24 to October 18, 2026.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image by Stefan Wisnoski/Riot Games