Following the conclusion of the Kickoff tournaments across all four regions (Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China), Riot Games conducted the group draw for VCT Stage 1 2026 in VALORANT. In each region, teams have been divided into two groups.
EMEA
In this region, Group Omega stands out as particularly stacked with strong contenders.
Group Alpha:
- Gentle Mates
- Team Liquid
- Natus Vincere
- Team Heretics
- Karmine Corp
- FUT Esports
Group Omega:
- BBL Esports
- Fnatic
- Team Vitality
- GIANTX
- ULF Esports
- PCIFIC Esports
Americas
In the Americas region, the balance of power appears fairly even. Group Omega features two participants of VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026 — FURIA and NRG.
Group Alpha:
- G2 Esports
- MIBR
- Cloud9
- Leviatán
- ENVY
- LOUD
Group Omega:
- FURIA
- NRG
- 100 Thieves
- Evil Geniuses
- Sentinels
- KRÜ Esports
Pacific
Pacific’s Group Alpha looks like a true “group of death,” featuring DRX, Gen.G, Paper Rex, and the ambitious Nongshim RedForce.
Group Alpha:
- Nongshim RedForce
- Paper Rex
- DRX
- Global Esports
- Gen.G
- Team Secret
Group Omega:
- T1
- RRQ
- DetonatioN FocusMe
- FULL SENSE
- ZETA DIVISION
- VARREL
China
In China, the distribution of teams appears fairly balanced.
Group Alpha:
- All Gamers
- TYLOO
- JD Gaming
- Titan Esports Club
- FunPlus Phoenix
- Bilibili Gaming
Group Omega:
- Xi Lai Gaming
- EDward Gaming
- Dragon Ranger Gaming
- Trace Esports
- Wolves Esports
- Nova Esports
Stage 1 of VCT 2026 across all International Leagues will begin in April after the conclusion of VALORANT Masters Santiago 2026. The top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, while the top three teams from each region will secure slots at VALORANT Masters London 2026.
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