From 2027 onward, open teams can qualify for Kickoff, Cups, Masters, and Champions, with financial support tied to strong results, marking a major structural shift in the VCT since the partner era began.

Open Qualifier regions will be divided into Americas, covering North America, Latin America North, Latin America South, and Brazil; EMEA, covering Europe, Türkiye, and the MENA region; and Pacific, covering South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, with China hosting its own Open Qualifiers.

Riot plans to publish a full-year calendar and more detailed guidance soon.

Teams should start preparing now with stable five-player rosters, valid passports, early travel planning, and awareness of regional eligibility rules (typically at least three players from the region).

The season will feature multiple Open Qualifiers within a region, giving teams several opportunities to qualify for Kickoff if they miss earlier matches.

The reorganized system will consist of three regions—Americas, EMEA, and Pacific—each sending 12 teams to VCT Kickoff, with eight spots reserved for partners and four for Open Qualifiers.

The VCT 2027 Open Qualifiers will begin in November 2026, creating an open path for non-partner teams to reach higher circuit events.

Non-partner teams advancing to major VCT stages in 2027 will receive fixed qualification payments and remain eligible for prize money at events where applicable.