VCT China 2026 Kickoff: Triple Elim Format, Full Schedule & Opening Matches Announced
VCT China stands alone among international leagues with no new teams for 2026, as Ascension winners Dragon Ranger Gaming and Xi Lai Gaming lock in their spots via retention.
12 Teams Set for Kickoff Battle
The full roster features:
- All Gamers
- Dragon Ranger Gaming
- Nova Esports
- Xi Lai Gaming
- JDG Esports
- EDward Gaming
- Trace Esports
- TYLOO
- FunPlus Phoenix
- Wolves Esports
- Bilibili Gaming
- Titan Esports Club
Triple Elim Format Kicks Off January 22
Starting January 22, the 12 team triple elimination bracket unfolds live, with top seeds EDward Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, Xi Lai Gaming, and Dragon Ranger Gaming earning upper bracket round 2 byes.
Top three advance to Masters Santiago (February 28–March 15), vying for the trophy and Championship Points toward VALORANT Champions Shanghai.
Opening Round Fixtures Locked In
Round 1:
- All Gamers vs Nova Esports
- JDG Esports vs Titan Esports Club
- Trace Esports vs Wolves Esports
- FunPlus Phoenix vs TYLOO
Round 2:
- Bilibili Gaming vs Winner (Match 1)
- Dragon Ranger Gaming vs Winner (Match 2)
- Xi Lai Gaming vs Winner (Match 3)
- EDward Gaming vs Winner (Match 4)
Championship Points on the Line
Championship Points fuel the road to VALORANT Champions Shanghai, rewarding top Kickoff finishers with seeding advantages.
First place claims 4 points for the victory, second secures 3, third grabs 2, and fourth earns.
- 1st: 4 points
- 2nd: 3 points
- 3rd: 2 points
- 4th: 1 point
Catch the action on VCT China’s Bilibili, Twitch, and YouTube channels.
Since: October 29, 2025
