The top 12 teams set to compete at the first international VCT event of 2026, VALORANT Masters Santiago, have been decided.
Taking place from February 28th to March 15th, the tournament will see three teams from each of the Americas, EMEA, China, and Pacific regions compete on the global stage for the trophy.
Riot Games has also announced the opening matches and format for VALORANT Masters Santiago. Fans can check out the details below.
All Teams Qualified For VALORANT Masters Santiago
For the first time in the history of VCT, an international event will feature three Ascension teams from different regions: Xi Lai Gaming (China), Nongshim RedForce (Pacific), and G2 Esports (Americas).
Not only this, but every International League celebrated a new Kickoff winner, with Nongshim RedForce becoming the second Ascension organisation, after G2 Esports, to win a VCT event.
RRQ and MIBR, despite reaching the Upper Finals in Pacific and Americas Kickoff, respectively, lost three back-to-back best-of-five series to miss out on Masters Santiago qualification.
Meanwhile, Fnatic will be absent from an international VCT event for only the second time since the introduction of the Partnership Programme.
China
- All Gamers — 1st Seed
- Xi Lai Gaming — 2nd Seed
- EDward Gaming — 3rd Seed
Pacific
- Nongshim RedForce — 1st Seed
- T1 — 2nd Seed
- Paper Rex — 3rd Seed
Americas
- FURIA — 1st Seed
- G2 Esports — 2nd Seed
- NRG Esports — 3rd Seed
EMEA
- BBL Esports — 1st Seed
- Gentle Mates — 2nd Seed
- Team Liquid — 3rd Seed
Apart from this, the top four teams have also been awarded Championship Points, which will count toward Champions Shanghai qualification:
- 1st Place — 4 Points
- 2nd Place — 3 Points
- 3rd Place — 2 Points
- 4th Place — 1 Points
VALORANT Masters Shanghai Opening Matches and Format
Out of 12 teams competing at VALORANT Masters Santiago, the first seed from each region will get a direct bye to the Playoffs. The rest of the squads will begin in the Swiss Stage, running from February 28th to March 4th.
Find out the opening matchups for the tournament below:
- Gentle Mates vs EDward Gaming
- T1 vs Team Liquid
- G2 Esports vs Paper Rex
- Xi Lai Gaming vs NRG Esports
The top four teams from the Swiss Stage will advance to the Playoffs to join the VCT Kickoff winners from the International Leagues. The champion of the tournament will be determined through a double-elimination bracket scheduled to take place from March 6th to 15th.
