In VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), an International League is a regional league—not one global competition. In 2026, VCT has four International Leagues: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China. Teams compete within their territory, and results help determine which teams advance to global tournaments such as Masters and Champions.
What “International League” means in VCT
Riot uses “International League” as the name for each of VCT’s four top-tier territory competitions. The word “international” does not mean that all four territories play together in one league. Instead, global events bring together teams that qualify from those territory-level competitions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
For the 2026 season, Riot describes VCT as comprising four territories and 48 teams. Those are season-specific counts, not permanent rules. See Riot’s 2026 VCT League Handbook.
International Leagues versus global tournaments
| Aspect | VCT International League | Global VCT event |
|---|---|---|
| Participants | Teams competing within one territory: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, or China in 2026. | Qualified teams drawn from multiple territories. |
| Main role | Territory-level competition that determines placements and contributes to qualification for global events. | Cross-territory competition, including Masters tournaments and the season-ending Champions. |
| How teams get there | Teams compete in their territory’s season events; placements and, where applicable, Championship Points affect qualification. | Teams qualify through territory event results and the season’s qualification rules. |
| Format | Depends on the specific event; there is no single format used for every league-stage event. | Also depends on the event. Champions Shanghai is described in the 2026 handbook as a 16-team event. |
How regional results lead to international events in 2026
The 2026 path illustrates the relationship: territory events feed into global tournaments. The qualification details below apply to that season and can change in future years.
#1 Best Overall
- Support PC and Android
- Support for Wireless
- Dual Vibration Motors Inside
- Durable Switches with Excellent Feel
Kickoff sends teams to Masters Santiago
Each International League holds a 12-team Kickoff tournament using a triple-elimination bracket. The top three finishers from each territory qualify for Masters Santiago, and Kickoff placement also awards Championship Points. Details are in Riot’s 2026 VCT League Handbook.
Stage 1 sends playoff finishers to Masters London
In each territory, Stage 1 divides 12 teams into two groups of six. Each group plays a single round robin with best-of-three matches; eight teams advance to the playoffs. The top three playoff finishers in each territory qualify for Masters London. Regular-season wins and playoff placement also contribute Championship Points. Riot’s Stage 1 handbook page gives the season’s format.
Rank #2
- 【Hall Effect & 1000Hz Polling】Permanently eliminate joystick drift with Hall Effect sensors in both sticks and triggers, delivering pinpoint accuracy for shooters and racers. With 1000Hz polling rate in 2.4GHz and wired modes, this PC controller registers every input instantly — zero lag, true competitive edge.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Perfectly designed for Windows PC and fully compatible with Switch/Switch 2, Android, and iOS systems. Works flawlessly with HID games, MFi titles, Luna, Stadia, Steam, and more.( –💔 Not compatible with Xbox)
- 【 Power Up & Declutter】 Just place the controller on the included dock for hassle-free charging. It auto-reconnects to your last device when picked up. LED lights show charge status. The controller sleeps after 5 minutes of inactivity to save power and wakes instantly when lifted off the dock.
- 【Dual Back Buttons with Macro Programming】 Two customizable back buttons support mapping for up to 16 functions (A/B/X/Y, triggers, D-pad, etc.), giving you a competitive edge with complex command execution.
- 【Dual-Mode Hall Triggers 】Fast Trigger mode delivers instant shots. Linear Trigger mode gives you precise throttle control. Both are drift-free and built to last.
Champions Shanghai draws from Stage 2 and Championship Points
The 2026 handbook describes Champions Shanghai as a 16-team global season finale. Its field combines teams qualifying through Stage 2 playoff results with the top Championship Point earners from each territory. Qualification therefore depends on more than the name of a team’s league: teams must meet the season’s event-specific results or points criteria. See Riot’s Champions Shanghai handbook page.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why “regional league” can be confusing
“Regional league” is a useful plain-language description of where an International League’s teams compete, but it is not a separate VCT level opposed to “International League.” In VCT terminology, the International Leagues are the regional competitions. “International” is also commonly used to describe Masters and Champions, where teams from different territories meet. Keeping those two uses distinct makes the season pathway easier to follow.
Rank #3
- Valorant custom keycaps with laser engraving: These custom keycaps include each Valorant agent's portrait and skills! It fits with any mechanical keyboard or backlit gaming keyboard
- Various Options (19 Agents for Valorant) - Each package includes 7 PCS of Valorant custom keycaps: Logo, Role, Portrait, Basic(Q,C), Signature(E), Ultimate(X)
- Keycap Standard: OEM profile, Keycap Material: ABS plastic - Fit with any mechanical keyboard. The Cherry keycap profile can be mounted, but the height is slightly different
- Keycap Size - R4: Logo, Role, Portrait / R3: Basic Skill(Q), Signature Skill(E) / R1: Ultimate Skill(X), Basic Skill(C). Based on OEM profile keycap
- One More Thing! (Event): You will get a steel keycap remover to prevent damage to the gaming mechanical keyboard and gaming keycaps while exchanging it
Do all VCT regional events use the same format?
No. The 2026 examples show why it is better to check the particular event. Kickoff uses a 12-team triple-elimination bracket, while Stage 1 has two groups of six followed by an eight-team playoff. These are different formats within the territory competition, not a universal format for all regional play. Global tournaments have their own event rules as well.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can change from one VCT season to the next?
The four-territory, 48-team structure and the listed event formats and qualification routes describe the 2026 season. Riot can change team counts, event names, formats, and qualification rules, so use the relevant season’s official handbook when checking a future schedule or route to Masters or Champions.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Ultra-low latency wired connection: Experience near-instantaneous response times with the Tegenaria Lite’s ultra-low latency wired connection, ensuring seamless and uninterrupted gameplay.
- Precise and anti-drift: GameSir Hall Effect sticks: Equipped with GameSir’s advanced Hall Effect sticks, the Tegenaria Lite ensures pinpoint accuracy with 360° seamless control. Built for precision and longevity, these sticks are highly responsive and immune to wear and tear, allowing gamers to elevate their gameplay across various titles.
- 1000Hz polling rate for instant response: Enjoy an ultra-responsive gaming experience with a 1000Hz polling rate. This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
- Cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons: The Tegenaria Lite features cushioned and durable membrane triggers and buttons. The cushioned feedback provides a comfortable experience while ensuring responsive operation.
- Dual asymmetric motors for subtle vibration: Equipped with dual asymmetric rumble motors, the Tegenaria Lite delivers both strong and subtle vibrations, making every small crash and shot feel as if they’re happening right in your hands.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
