The VCT 2027 season will transition to a tournament-based ecosystem driven by open regional qualifiers that funnel into regional Cups, then Masters and Champions, expanding access to more teams.

Regional leagues are replaced by LAN-based open Cups with qualification metrics that determine entry to Masters and Championship events, reshaping how teams earn spots at major events.

Open qualifiers will run before every stage, creating multiple pathways for teams to qualify alongside existing Cups and Masters events.

Partner teams will receive direct seeding, baseline payments, performance bonuses, and digital goods revenue sharing as part of the new model.

A two-year partnership cycle ends in 2026, with new and existing teams eligible to apply based on criteria such as community growth, sustainability, operations, infrastructure, and competitive development.

The changes are framed as benefiting fans and the ecosystem by fostering longer-term viability for newer teams and creating dynamic rivalries and clearer paths to pro status.

Both partnered and non-partnered teams can earn prize money through qualification, preserving value for non-partnered squads and signaling potential org signings.

Leadership emphasizes a dynamic, high-stakes ecosystem where every match matters and any team has a shot at the global stage.

Open qualifiers are designed to enhance storylines and competitive balance by including grassroots participation while still offering partnership pathways for established teams.

The two-year partnership model emphasizes sustainability, performance, community impact, and growth, with benefits including direct seeding and base stipends.

Partnered teams will gain byes in qualifiers and expanded perks, aligning with Riot’s broader “Everything is a Tournament” approach for VCT 2027.

Regional distribution for VCT 2027 covers the Americas, Pacific, EMEA, and China, with subregions detailed to broaden representation.