Riot Games has unveiled its plans for the 2026 Valorant EMEA ecosystem, with a brand-new cross-tier tournament — Valorant EMEA Clash — set to headline a reworked year for Challengers, Game Changers, and the wider path to VCT EMEA.

Designed to bridge the gap between Tier 1 and Tier 2 competition, Clash will see top Challenger teams face off against VCT EMEA squads that narrowly miss out on Masters Santiago, offering fans high-stakes matchups and teams a rare early-season measuring stick.

Here’s everything you need to know about Valorant EMEA Clash and how it fits into the wider 2026 roadmap.

Valorant EMEA Clash Explained

Valorant EMEA Clash is a brand-new tournament debuting in early 2026, bringing together select VCT EMEA teams and the strongest Challenger League squads from across the region.

The event will run from February 16 to 26, taking place immediately after the VCT EMEA Kickoff and ahead of VCT Masters Santiago. VCT teams that fail to qualify for Masters will be invited to compete, creating a rare crossover between Tier 1 and Tier 2 competition at a pivotal point in the season.

Riot said Clash is designed to fill the competitive gap between Kickoff and the first international event of the year, while also delivering a meaningful experience to Challenger teams that could later fight their way into VCT EMEA.

Clash marks the first time in the season that Challenger EMEA teams will face VCT-level opposition. For squads eyeing promotion later in the year, these matches serve as a benchmark for how they stack up against Tier 1 teams.

How Clash Fits Into Challengers Structure

The wider Valorant EMEA Challengers ecosystem remains built around a three-stage seasonal format, but 2026 introduces more competitive opportunities than before.

Each regional Challenger League will begin with a Kickoff-style tournament as part of Stage 1, with leagues starting as early as January 5 and running through February 12, depending on region and organiser.

From there, Challenger teams will compete across three EMEA-wide tournaments:

• Challengers EMEA Stage 1: March 16–31
• Challengers EMEA Stage 2: May 18–28
• Challengers EMEA Stage 3: June 22–July 6

Game Changers And The Wider Ecosystem

While Clash is the headline addition, Riot is also expanding the Game Changers EMEA circuit in 2026.

A new structure featuring regional events alongside monthly Cash Cups will offer both prize pools and points, with top performers able to earn promotion into Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 Play-Ins. The goal is to create more frequent competition and clearer progression throughout the year.