All players making their VALORANT Champions debut in 2026
At VCT 2026 - VALORANT Champions 2026, the best 80 players in the world will give it their all as they battle for the most prestigious trophy of the season. For 36 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, 36 players will make their Champions debut, accounting for 45% of the 80 players competing at the event. Among all the teams competing, only NRG and T1 have full rosters featuring players with previous Champions experience.
Europe and China lead the way with the most players making their Champions debut, with 10 first-time competitors. The Americas and Pacific regions follow eight debutants each.
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.
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
Sofia is an esports journalist from Porto, Portugal, with two years of professional experience and a background in college newspapers and local TV. She has always loved telling people’s stories, making interviews her favorite part of the job. Her passion for gaming started by watching her older brother play Pokémon, but it was discovering VALORANT during the pandemic that made her want to work in esports.
She mainly covers League of Legends and VALORANT, but she also has a soft spot for TFT and Overwatch. She’s a workaholic, always smiling, and easily recognizable by her curly hair.
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