VCT Pacific pros weigh in on the new Triple Elimination Format

The VCT is entering uncharted territory for 2026 with the introduction of a triple elimination bracket at Kickoff. Unlike the traditional double elimination format, this system offers teams three lives before elimination, promising longer tournaments, more matches, and heightened drama.

Check out who the pros in the Pacific think will be the hardest team to overcome at Kickoff in our article.

During the pre-Kickoff press conference, players from the Pacific region shared their thoughts on how this shift might reshape competitive strategy, and whether it truly levels the playing field.

"Survival of the Fittest": The Core Mindset

The overarching sentiment from the panels was a very realistic one: the format change won't fundamentally alter how elite teams approach the game. T1's Kim "Meteor" Tae-O captured the prevailing attitude perfectly when discussing his mindset for the season.

"We have new teams in the league, and also the triple elimination, so it's definitely going to be the survival of the fittest. We'll have to try our best."

This response echoed across the others as well, with players like Global Esports' Kale "autumn" Dunne and Paper Rex's Jiggs Adrian "invy" Reyes reinforcing that execution remains king.

"I don't really think it changes anything," Invy stated flatly. "At the end of the day, the better team wins."

Autumn also added that while GE enters as underdogs, the goal is simply to win by performing consistently, regardless of extra lives.

A Lifeline for Newcomers?

For newcomers like VARREL, the format represents a welcome buffer. As Pacific rookies, Go "C1nder" Jae-hyuk highlighted the practical benefits.

"Us being the Pacific rookies, it just means that we get one more shot compared to last year. More experience for us to get used to the stage and other Pacific teams."

This extra opportunity could prove game-changing for the underdogs, allowing them to accumulate valuable stage time against top competition. ZETA DIVISION's Shota "SugarZ3ro" Watanabe noted that the structure provides more opportunities to gain experience, potentially channeling early loss experience into late-stage momentum.

Strategic Edges for Top Seeds

While the format extends life to all teams, it subtly favors the frontrunners. Several players, including Goo "Rb" Sang-Min from Nongshim RedForce, pointed out the anti-strat advantage for the top seeds.

"The teams with top seats get to kind of stay back and watch other teams play, and kind of anti-strat."

In theory, T1, DRX, Paper Rex and Rex Regum Qeon can sit back, observe the first round chaos, and refine counters accordingly. This could prove to be decisive in a region stacked with firepower, and where intel is just as valuable.

What Changes, What Stays

To put it bluntly, triple elimination gives teams about 50% more chances before they’re knocked out when compared to double elimination. This can make tournaments longer and more tiring. Underdogs may get more time to adjust and improve, but in the end, the message stays the same: the most consistent team still wins. As Meteor put it, it’s all about lasting longer than everyone else.

VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Kickoff kicks off January 22, where the triple elim bracket will be tested. Will it crown new champions or merely prolong the reign of the fittest? The pros seem convinced it's the latter.

Click HERE to learn more about the Pacific Kickoff structure and format. 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 Source: Riot Games