A Change in Selection Methods for VCT 2026 Season

For the 2026 season, the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) has moved away from the randomness of coin tosses and instead introduced a 1v1 Skirmish format. This significant change allows player skill to determine the priority for map and side selection. The adoption of this approach begins with the 2026 VCT Pacific Kickoff on January 22. During this kick off, teams of equal ranking will each delegate one representative to participate in an aim duel. The outcome of this duel will then determine who secures an all-important edge during the pick-and-ban phases.

Simple Rules and Mechanics

The 1v1 Skirmish format is governed by easily understandable rules. Each team is responsible for selecting a representative to partake in a showdown that consists of five rounds. Whilst league officials are responsible for dictating the time and place of these duels, the competitors will face off using only their aim, as abilities are not permitted to be used.

A Universal Shift in Procedure

This new method of selection is not limited to a specific region or league. Instead, all three international VCT leagues (Pacific, Americas, and EMEA) will adopt this approach to handling seeding tiebreakers. Kicking off the global rollout is the Pacific League, who will commence their Kickoff stage on January 22, 2026. The Pacific Kickoff will run until February 15 and will feature teams like Nongshim RedForce and Team Secret, as well as ZETA DIVISION and FULL SENSE.

Professional Adoption of the Skirmish Mode

The Skirmish mode was previously introduced during the Champions 2025 tournament, though it was generally used as a team deathmatch mode varying from 1v1 to 5v5 formats. The 2026 season marks the first time Skirmish mode will be put to official use in professional tournament structures, making it a critical determinant rather than a feature for practice or casual warm-up.

Changes in the Broader 2026 VCT Season

For the overall 2026 season, the kickoff tournaments will adopt a triple-elimination format. The top three teams from each regional kickoff will subsequently advance to the Masters Santiago. This reshaped structure, paired with the new Skirmish side selection system, signifies a shift in Riot’s philosophy to emphasize skill expression at every level of competition.