Discover how the new VCT relegation and promotion system works in Valorant. Learn how Ascension teams can earn or retain a spot in the Tier 1 VCT leagues starting in2026.
Startingin 2026, Riot Games is implementing a major structural change in the ValorantChampions Tour (VCT) system. The number of teams in the International Leagueswill be locked at 12 per region, reshaping how promotion and relegation workbetween the Tier 1 VCT circuit and Tier 2 leagues like Ascension andChallengers. This change is designed to enhance competitiveness, rewardperformance, and create a clearer pathway for teams aspiring to enter theglobal spotlight of Valorant esports.
Previously,teams that earned their place through Ascension were only guaranteed two yearsin VCT. Regardless of their performance, they had to return to the Challengerscircuit after that period. This often felt unfair to successful teams that weregrowing in strength and fanbase. Now, Riot Games has introduced aperformance-based promotion and relegation system that ensures teams are judgedby their competitive results rather than an expiration date.
Themost impactful change in the new system is how Ascension teams can now extendtheir stay in VCT. This is especially important for organizations that haveinvested heavily in talent development, branding, and competitive strategy.Here are the key points to understand:
Champions Qualification is Key: If an Ascension team qualifies for the VALORANT Champions tournament, it will automatically retain its place in VCT for another year. This serves as the ultimate benchmark of a team’s ability to compete at the top.
When Both Ascension Teams Make Champions: If both Ascension teams from a region make it to Champions, only the better-performing team will stay in VCT. The other team must go through the Ascension circuit again next year.
Stage 2 Playoffs Also Matter: Teams that reach the VCT Stage 2 Playoffs will earn the chance to compete again in next year’s Ascension, giving them another shot at rejoining the VCT.
Failure Has Consequences: If one or both Ascension teams fail to make it to the Stage 2 Playoffs, they will be relegated back to their respective Challengers Leagues, opening the door for two new Ascension teams to rise.
Thislayered system creates a dynamic and meritocratic structure where teams mustconsistently perform to maintain their position in the VCT. It also preventsstagnation by guaranteeing room for new talent and organizations to break intothe top tier.
Forteams, the new structure creates a clear incentive system: perform well, and yourefforts will be rewarded with prolonged exposure, better sponsorshipopportunities, and a stronger competitive foothold. For fans, this means moreexciting storylines, underdog runs, and high-stakes matches, especially nearthe end of each season.
It alsoensures that the VCT remains a league of the best-performing teams, not justthe most established or popular ones. This reinforces Riot’s long-term visionof making Valorant esports a sustainable and competitive global scene.
Atthe time of writing, G2 Esports is the only team that has officially qualifiedfor VALORANT Champions Paris based on Championship Points. With thisqualification, G2 is on the verge of securing its VCT Americas slot for the2026 season.
However,their regional rivals, 2G Esports, are in a more precarious position. Tomaintain or earn a spot in VCT Americas, 2G would need a miracle run duringStage 2, outperform G2 at Champions, and meet the new performance-basedcriteria. While unlikely, this kind of scenario is exactly what the newrelegation system is designed to spotlight, high-stakes, winner-takes-alldrama.
Themove toward performance-based promotion and relegation aligns Valorant with themost respected global esports ecosystems. Systems that rely solely on permanentfranchise slots or arbitrary time limits often leave less room for rising teamsor punish success with built-in expiration dates. The new VCT structure fixesthat by prioritizing performance, consistency, and fairness.
Moreimportantly, the system adds competitive pressure throughout the year, not justduring end-of-season tournaments. Teams must now focus on every stage of theVCT calendar, from early matches in Stage 1 to the critical Stage 2 Playoffsand beyond.
Lookingforward, the Challengers and Ascension circuits are expected to grow inimportance and visibility. With two teams from Challengers guaranteed a spot inAscension each year, and with Ascension serving as the gateway to VCT, Tier 2Valorant will see stronger teams, bigger investments, and greater fanengagement.
Thisgrowth will naturally elevate the overall level of play across all tiers,making the Valorant esports ecosystem more competitive and interconnected thanever before.
Image Source: Esports Insider
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