The much-awaited Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2026 is about to arrive in Shanghai, and the global esports community now looks forward to the high-stakes competition among the world’s elite teams in pursuit of this year’s championship trophy. As the tournament draws closer, get to know the teams who are set to collide and what fans can expect in the premier Valorant competition.
Who’s Battling for the VCT Title?
Featuring an esteemed mix of proven powerhouses to rising contenders, the VCT 2026 will bring together a total of 16 teams to compete for international victory, with four teams coming from each region: America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), Asia Pacific and China.
VCT America brings a strong pool of teams that hold a recognizable history of high-level competitiveness. 2025 defending champion NRG Esports returns to chase another repeat, with G2 Esports also joining the tournament. 100 Thieves and LOUD complete the lineup, looking to assert dominance against other squads.
From EMEA, Team Liquid and Team Vitality are also anticipated to capture the title, given their strong background in the esports field. FUT Esports and Karmine were also sent to battle against the world’s best.
VCT Asia Pacific can be another threat to watch closely at the championships, bringing well-known giants and emerging squads who have already made a strong presence in the VALORANT scene. Paper Rex and T1 are expected to bring masterclass performances, alongside other rising teams, Nongshim Redforce and Global Esports.
Lastly, the four representatives from China could even add more interesting storylines with their exceptional playstyle and experience. Participating from China are EDward Gaming, Xi Lai Gaming (XLG) Esports, TYLOO, and JD Gaming.
What to Expect Further at VCT 2026
With former champions and other familiar names joining the lineup, it is often expected to be intense and tightly contested. They also have experience from past tournament editions, giving them the advantage of knowing the international game dynamics and winning the competition.
However, a strong background doesn’t guarantee victory. Others may still have the possibility of breaking the competitive hierarchy. As the VCT 2026 approaches, it now raises the question: will an established giant stay at its peak, or will a new-gen team take over the championship?