VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers Start in November
Riot Games has outlined plans for the 2027 Valorant Champions Tour Open Qualifiers, which begin this November.
The Open Qualifiers for the 2027 Valorant Champions Tour will start this November. Teams that succeed in these qualifiers will have a path to international events including the VCT Kickoff, Masters, and Champions tournaments, as well as new VCT Cups.
Riot Games has released preliminary information on the schedule and structure. The process begins with Free Agency opening on November 2, as many player contracts conclude. The exact start dates for the Open Qualifiers themselves will vary by region, with official channels providing specific broadcast times.
The VCT Kickoff is scheduled for January 2027, where qualified open teams will face established partner teams. The first Masters event of the year is set to follow in February.
Regional Structure and Opportunities
The Open Qualifiers will be organized within specific territories under the three main VCT leagues. The source indicates that regions may host multiple qualifying tournaments, offering teams more than one chance to secure a spot at the VCT Kickoff.
For the Americas, EMEA, and Pacific regions, the Kickoff events will feature a total of twelve teams. Four of these slots will be filled by teams advancing from the Open Qualifiers, while the other eight are reserved for partner teams.
Team Eligibility Rules
Riot has also detailed eligibility criteria for teams wishing to compete. The report states that most regions will require at least three out of the five players on a roster to be from the team's home region. This rule effectively opens up two slots for imported players on each squad.
A separate rule emphasizes roster continuity for open and creator-led teams. As long as three out of five players from a qualifying roster remain with the team, they can retain their competitive standing and progress throughout the entire season.
Prizes and Support
Financial rewards for teams coming from the Open Qualifiers will remain merit-based. Qualifying for major events like the Kickoff, Masters, or Champions makes a team eligible for a cash prize. The source also mentions "potential support" as part of the package for successful open teams.
The information aligns with changes to the VCT system that Riot Games initially discussed in June. The structure is designed to pave a clearer road for amateur and semi-professional squads to reach the highest levels of international Valorant competition.
