Open Qualifiers for VCT Kickoff begin this November. Here’s an initial look at the 2027 Season for aspiring teams looking to make a run at Champions.

Starting in 2027, teams  will have more opportunities to compete directly within the VCT ecosystem. 

• Kickoff in VCT Americas, EMEA, and Pacific will each feature 12 teams: 8 partner teams and 4 teams from Open Qualifiers.
• Open teams can qualify for Kickoff, Cups, Masters, and Champions and beginning in 2027, non-partner teams that reach major VCT stages will also receive fixed qualification payments, ensuring strong performances come with meaningful financial support. Non-partner teams will also be eligible for applicable prize pool earnings.
• Regions may host multiple Open Qualifiers, giving teams more than one chance to qualify for VCT Kickoff.

The goal is simple: when any team earns its way into the VCT, we want that performance to come with meaningful support to help the team continue competing at the highest level.

Get Your Team Ready

You don't need to register today, but you should start preparing.

Open Qualifiers begin in November, and teams interested in competing should use the coming weeks to make sure they’re ready when registration opens.

That includes:

• Building your competitive roster.
• Making sure players have valid passports and beginning any necessary travel or visa preparations
• Following your regional channels for registration dates, competition formats, and eligibility requirements, including age restrictions and MMR thresholds. In most regions, at least 3 of the 5 players on a roster will also need to be from that region.
• Maintaining that progress will require roster continuity. Open and creator-led teams that keep at least 3 of their 5 players will retain their competitive progress throughout the season.
• Picking your team name and branding, while making sure they don’t infringe on existing trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.
• Players will need to be Ascendant+ and Vanguard Check compliant. For more information on Vanguard compliance - please reference our post on Vanguard & Vanguard Pre-Check.

Regional Open Qualifiers