Riot Games unveils VALORANT EMEA Clash tournament for VCT and Challengers teams

Riot Games has announced VALORANT EMEA Clash, a 2026 tournament bringing together both VCT and Challengers teams.

From February 16th to 26th, the EMEA Clash will see the region’s top Challengers teams compete against some VCT EMEA rosters that couldn’t qualify for Masters Santiago.

VALORANT EMEA Clash is a first-of-its-kind event that is directly integrated within Riot Games’ highly regulated VALORANT esports ecosystem. 

With the publisher working towards a more open esports scene in 2026 and beyond, the new tournament aims to provide additional opportunities for teams outside of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT).

Previously, Riot Games revealed that Challengers teams will have the opportunity to directly qualify for the VALORANT Champions 2026 for the first time since the beginning of franchising.

Moreover, the new EMEA Clash is reminiscent of the recently concluded Project Blender off-season tournament, which also allowed tier-two teams to compete against VCT representatives.

According to a press release, teams will qualify for the VALORANT EMEA Clash based on their performances in the VCT EMEA Kickoff event as well as Kickoff-style Challengers tournaments.

EMEA’s Challengers Leagues will run from January 5th to February 12th next year, with each regional league setting its own dates and formats. Meanwhile, VCT EMEA Kickoff will take place from January 20th until February 12th.

As only three EMEA teams can secure a spot at Masters Santiago, nine VCT rosters may compete in the new tournament. However, further details about the event’s format and prize pool have yet to be revealed.

The EMEA Clash also serves as a transition between the 2026 season kickoff and the first international competition of the year.

Masters Santiago will see 12 teams across VCT’s four regions (EMEA, Americas, Pacific and China) compete from February 28th until March 15th.