VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers begin in November with spots and cash on offer across 16 regions

2026 hasn’t yet drawn to a close but Riot Games has revealed the first details of the VCT 2027 Open Qualifier system, with non-partner teams getting a structured path into the top level of competitive VALORANT for the first time. The qualifiers begin in November, with four spots in each league's Kickoff tournament up for grabs for teams that earn their way through the open rounds.

How the league structure changes in 2027

The Americas, EMEA, and Pacific leagues will each field 12 teams in Kickoff: eight partnered organizations and four that have qualified through open play. It’s a big difference to the fully closed model we’ve become accustomed to since 2023.