Ubisoft has officially unveiled the Rainbow Six esports roadmap for 2026, including two Majors, the Esports World Cup, Challenger Series, and more.

Revealed as the 2025 season enters its final months, with the Six Invitational fast approaching, the 2026 structure introduces changes that span the Challenger Series, regional leagues, international Majors, and the road to the Six Invitational.

Below is everything you need to know about Rainbow Six Esports in 2026.

Full Global Calendar

The 2026 Rainbow Six Esports season is built around a continuous competitive flow, ensuring there are meaningful matches throughout the year rather than long gaps between major events.

Key features of the new calendar include a standardized Challenger Series window, a brand-new Season Kickoff event, two traditional Majors, and the formal integration of the Esports World Cup as a mid-season competition. Regional stages will play a significantly larger role in qualifying for the Six Invitational than ever before.

Ubisoft confirmed the return of the May Major alongside the traditional end-of-year Major in November.

These two global events will once again bring together the best teams from every region for international competition, serving as major SI Points milestones on the road to the Six Invitational.

The competitive year begins with the Challenger Series, which runs from February to March.

This stage gives Tier 2 teams from the 2025 circuits, open qualifier rosters, and relegated Tier 1 teams a direct path back to top-level competition. Ubisoft confirmed that further details on open qualifier sign-ups will be shared closer to the start of the season.

New ‘Season Kickoff’ Tournament in April

April introduces a brand-new addition to the Rainbow Six esports calendar: the Season Kickoff.

This competition is the first major test for Tier 1 teams in 2026. SI Points, qualification spots for the May Major, and a prize pool are all on the line, with Ubisoft emphasizing that every match will matter. Strong performances here could shape a team’s entire season.

Two Majors In May And November

After fan feedback, Ubisoft has confirmed the return of the May Major alongside the traditional end-of-year Major in November.

These two global events will once again bring together the best teams from every region for international competition, serving as major SI Points milestones on the road to the Six Invitational.

Esports World Cup Becomes A Mid-Season Event

One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the formal integration of the Esports World Cup (EWC) into the Rainbow Six Esports circuit.

Scheduled for August, EWC will act as a mid-season competition. While SI Points will not be awarded across all placements, the winning team will secure direct qualification to the Six Invitational, becoming the first squad of the season to lock in a spot at the world championship.

How Teams Qualify For The Six Invitational

In 2026, teams qualify for the Six Invitational mainly through SI Points earned across Challenger Series, Season Kickoff, regional stages, and Majors.

In addition, the Esports World Cup champion will receive a direct invite, raising the stakes for the mid-season event even further.