Riot Games Unveils VCT Masters Santiago 2026 Details: Everything You Need to Know

Callum Mercer, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 24/02/2026

The 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) is revving up as Riot Games unveils VCT Masters Santiago 2026.

This marks the first international LAN of the season, and all eyes will be on Chile this March to see which region snags the first trophy of the year.

Set to take place at the Espacio Riesco in Santiago, the tournament runs from March 1st to March 16th, featuring twelve of the world’s top teams going head-to-head for glory, prize money, and those all-important Champions Points.

VALORANT Championship Tour Teams and Regional Representation

The journey to Santiago has been paved by the intense Kickoff events across the four international leagues: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China (CN).

Among the big names already confirmed are Nongshim RedForce, FURIA, BBL Esports, and All Gamers, who have secured direct entry into the Playoffs as top seeds.

They’ll be joined by teams making their way through the Swiss Stage, including fan favorites like T1 and Paper Rex, who have shown their strength in the Pacific region.

The VCT Masters Santiago 2026 Format Explained

Riot is sticking with a high-stakes format to ensure that only the most consistent teams make it to the final stage. The tournament is split into two distinct phases:

1. The Swiss Stage (March 1–5)

Eight teams (the second and third seeds from each region) will battle it out in a Swiss-style bracket.

All matches are best-of-three (Bo3). Teams need two wins to move on to the Playoffs, while two losses mean an early exit.

2. The Playoffs (March 7–16)

The four teams that survive the Swiss Stage will join the four top-seeded teams in a double-elimination bracket.

This is where the pressure really ramps up, as every win earns Champions Points, the key currency for qualifying for Champions Shanghai later this year.

VALORANT Championship Tour Schedule and How to Watch

The action kicks off on March 1st with the opening rounds of the Swiss Stage.

The competition will culminate in a grand finale on March 16th, where the first Masters champion of 2026 will be crowned.

For fans tuning in from home, Riot is live streaming the Masters Santiago via VALORANT’s offical channels across social media, including YouTuve, Chijjik and SOOP.

Callum Mercer, Senior Editor

Callum “Cal” Mercer is a UK-based esports journalist covering competitive titles across the LEC, VCT, and global Counter-Strike circuits. With a background in broadcast production and data analysis, he specialises in tactical breakdowns, roster strategy, and the business dynamics shaping modern professional gaming.

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