VALORANT Champions 2026 Playoffs preview: The road to the title heats up

VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Champions Shanghai has delivered some of the craziest matches over the past two weeks, but the action is far from over as the tournament enters the Playoffs stage. Fans can now use the Pick’Ems Challenge to predict which teams will advance, with the opening matches just around the corner.

Round One Games Schedule

Riot Games has already revealed the schedule for the opening matches of the VALORANT Champions 2026 Playoffs.

You can check out the full Playoffs bracket here on THESPIKE.

Who will come out on top?

NRG vs T1

We kick off the next stage with a clash between the Americas and Pacific, the two regions with the most representatives in the competition.

However, T1 face a tough challenge against NRG, the winners of the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions. Based on their previous matches, the Korean team could struggle against an American side that has been looking strong in the current meta.

NRG also enter the Playoffs as one of the main contenders after securing two victories in the Group Stage. While both wins were closely contested, they showed that the team remains a force to be reckoned with heading into the next stage.

Paper Rex vs LOUD

An incredible match to watch, especially from an entertainment standpoint. Both teams know how to put on a show, with players who are not afraid to step up, take fights, and get the crowd going. This matchup promises plenty of chaos, intense gunfights, and memorable moments.

Despite Paper Rex and LOUD being quite similar in terms of their approach to the game and the current meta, the Pacific side has an undeniable advantage when it comes to international experience, which could prove valuable at this stage of the tournament.

However, LOUD are known for stepping up when the pressure is at its highest, making them a potential surprise package.

This is arguably one of the hardest matches to preview, especially after Paper Rex showed some shaky performances during the Group Stage despite finishing with two wins.

100 Thieves vs G2 Esports

The only regional matchup in the first round of the Playoffs will see 100 Thieves take on G2 Esports. As one of the tournament’s title contenders, 100 Thieves enter the series as the expected favorites, especially considering G2’s shaky regional performances.

However, G2 have looked far more dangerous on the international stage, even pushing Paper Rex close despite repeatedly struggling against them in recent events.

Their familiarity with 100 Thieves could also allow them to bring out some unexpected counters, but the odds still appear to favor their opponents.

Team Vitality vs Nongshim RedForce

Two very strong teams meet in one of the hardest matches to predict. Both Team Vitality and Nongshim RedForce have looked solid throughout the tournament, showing strong stage presence and impressive gunplay.

From a meta perspective, the current environment favors the Pacific side, but that does not mean Vitality will be easy to deal with. Their strong macro play and decision-making could make this a much closer series than the meta alone might suggest.

As the only European team in the tournament, they have a lot to prove, especially with a lineup featuring players who have won many titles throughout their careers. This should definitely be an exciting match to watch.

However, the odds may favor Vitality slightly, considering they qualified with two victories, while NS had to fight through a much more difficult path to reach the Playoffs.

Competition Heats Up

Remember that these predictions are based on the current meta and Group Stage performances, but when it comes to the international stage, anything can happen. Don’t forget to support your favorite teams and show them some love online if you can’t be in Shanghai to experience the action in person.

VALORANT Champions 2026 has been underway since September 24 and will run until October 18 in Shanghai, China. You can watch the matches through the official broadcast or co-streamers, or check out all the match results right here.

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 Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games