VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers: Dates, prize pool, regions, and more

Riot Games has shared an early look at what teams and fans can expect from the VALORANT Champions Tour 2027. The Open Qualifiers begin this November, giving teams a new path into the Kickoff and the road toward the international competitions.

What do you need to know about the Open Qualifiers

The Open Qualifiers will begin this November and will serve as the first competitive entry point into the new season. There will be qualification opportunities across the Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China.

VCT Americas, EMEA, and Pacific will each feature 12 teams, with eight partner teams and four teams earning their spots through the Open Qualifiers. As for VCT China, details regarding its qualification process will be announced at a later date.

Open teams will have the opportunity to qualify for Kickoff, Cups, Masters, and even Champions, creating a direct competitive pathway from regional qualifiers to VALORANT’s biggest stages.

Starting in 2027, non-partner teams that qualify for major stages will receive fixed qualification payments, in addition to being eligible for the applicable tournament prize pools.

The goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem that allows non-partner teams to continue competing at the highest level while opening doors for new talent through a meaningful support system.

Open Qualifiers regions

The Open Qualifiers will take place across 16 regions spanning the four VCT territories.

VCT Americas

• North America
• Latin America North
• Latin America South
• Brazil

VCT EMEA

• Europe
• Turkyie
• MENA

VCT Pacific

• South Korea
• Japan
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Vietnam
• Southeast Asia (Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and the rest of SEA)
• South Asia
• Oceanis

VCT China

• China

Partner teams and Prize Pools

Partner teams will have access to several forms of compensation, including:

• Rewards for contributing to the growth of VALORANT Esports
• A share of revenue from team capsule sales
• Automatic qualification for Kickoff
• Unlimited rewards based on capsule and bundle performance

All teams will have access to qualification rewards, with financial support of up to $1.10 million available across Kickoff, Cups, Master and Champions. Organizations can also receive a $1 million incentive for their Game Changers teams.

Over the course of the year, teams will have access to more than $7 million in competitive rewards.

Riot Games will share more details about VCT 2027 in the coming months, including the full-year calendar and further information about the Open Qualifiers in each region. Registration dates, formats, and eligibility requirements will vary by region.

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 Shannon Cottrell/Riot Games