VALORANT Masters Santiago opening matches and format revealed

The top 12 teams set to compete at the first international VCT event of 2026, VALORANT Masters Santiago, have been decided.

Taking place from February 28th to March 15th, the tournament will see three teams from each of the Americas, EMEA, China, and Pacific regions compete on the global stage for the trophy.

Riot Games has also announced the opening matches and format for VALORANT Masters Santiago. Fans can check out the details below.

For the first time in the history of VCT, an international event will feature three Ascension teams from different regions: Xi Lai Gaming (China), Nongshim RedForce (Pacific), and G2 Esports (Americas).

Not only this, but every International League celebrated a new Kickoff winner, with Nongshim RedForce becoming the second Ascension organisation, after G2 Esports, to win a VCT event. 

RRQ and MIBR, despite reaching the Upper Finals in Pacific and Americas Kickoff, respectively, lost three back-to-back best-of-five series to miss out on Masters Santiago qualification.

Meanwhile, Fnatic will be absent from an international VCT event for only the second time since the introduction of the Partnership Programme. 

Apart from this, the top four teams have also been awarded Championship Points, which will count toward Champions Shanghai qualification:

Out of 12 teams competing at VALORANT Masters Santiago, the first seed from each region will get a direct bye to the Playoffs. The rest of the squads will begin in the Swiss Stage, running from February 28th to March 4th. 

Find out the opening matchups for the tournament below:

The top four teams from the Swiss Stage will advance to the Playoffs to join the VCT Kickoff winners from the International Leagues. The champion of the tournament will be determined through a double-elimination bracket scheduled to take place from March 6th to 15th.

All matches will be streamed live on the VALORANT Champions Tour’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.