Riot Games is setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) history as it unveils a revamped Challengers Path to Champions for 2026, one that promises higher stakes, fairer play, and greater opportunities for regional teams to make their mark on the international scene.

In a bold move away from the Ascension format, Challengers teams will now have the chance to earn direct slots into the International Leagues’ Stage 2 Playoffs, the pivotal gateway to Valorant Champions, the game’s biggest global tournament. “Each International League will be giving four slots to Challengers teams,” Riot announced, marking a significant shift in competitive dynamics.

For the Asia Pacific region, the allocation reflects both balance and ambition. The top teams from Challengers Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea will each secure a slot in Stage 2 Playoffs, while a Last Chance Qualifier will determine the fourth and final slot. The qualifier will feature the best from South Asia* and *Oceania, along with the second and third seeds from Southeast Asia, ensuring fierce competition across every corner of APAC.

Recognizing the need to nurture emerging regions while honoring historical performance, Riot emphasized that the goal was to “find a balance between recognizing regions with a track record of competitive strength, while also ensuring other regions still have a chance to prove themselves.”

Teams advancing to Stage 2 Playoffs will not only earn glory but will also receive a USD 75,000 stipend, underscoring Riot’s commitment to supporting the development of professional esports teams across all levels.

In 2026, Academy teams will continue participating in Challengers leagues but without eligibility for Stage 2 Playoffs. To foster a more competitive ecosystem, Riot will also remove relegation protection for Academy teams, requiring those that finish at the bottom of their regional standings to fight for their slot in the next season.

Beyond competitive structure, Riot is also reworking Challengers Southeast Asia to deepen regional representation and strengthen local esports ecosystems. The new format will consist of a mix of local events that funnel into pan-regional matches over two splits.

Qualification will begin at the local level through open qualifiers. Successful teams will then compete in local qualifying tournaments, where Southeast Asian Academy teams will also start. The top two teams from each local qualifier will move on to Challengers Southeast Asia, forming a 12-team tournament per split.

Five local qualifiers will be launched across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with the fifth qualifier covering the rest of the region. Additionally, two of the best Premier teams from the corresponding episode will qualify for each split, allowing talented players to climb through the ranks regardless of residency.

“Our goal with this new structure is to be more intentional about bringing representation to Challengers Southeast Asia, while creating more room for competition and talent development at the local level,” Riot stated.

Acknowledging feedback from the community, Riot is also lifting streaming exclusivity for *Challengers Southeast Asia* and will collaborate with local partners to offer localized broadcasts.