Masters Santiago : Everything You Need To Know

Get the full rundown on the first global event of the 2026 VCT season!
Esports
Valorant Esports Staff

The moment has finally arrived. After intense weeks filled with nonstop matches, major surprises, and a few clear certainties, the four VCT regional leagues have selected their top three representatives. Twelve teams will land in Santiago, Chile with a single goal: lift the trophy and etch their name into history.

This is the first global showdown of the year.

This is where stars are made.

This is the event that begins the road to Champions Shanghai.

Welcome to Masters Santiago.

Meet the Competitors

Kickoff is in the books, and it delivered everything fans hoped for. Rising stars made their mark, dynasties began to take shape, and unexpected contenders shook up the global order. Now, the top three teams from the Americas, CN, EMEA, and Pacific are ready to test themselves on the biggest stage so far.

VCT Americas

VCT Pacific

VCT EMEA

VCT CN

FURIA

NS Redforce

BBL Esports

All Gamers

G2

T1

Gentle Mates

XLG Esports

NRG

Paper Rex

Team Liquid

EDward Gaming

Tournament Format

Masters Santiago is split into two stages: Swiss Stage and Playoffs.

The winners of each league’s Kickoff earned a direct spot in the Playoffs, skipping the Swiss Stage entirely. The remaining eight teams will battle through Swiss for the final four Playoffs spots.

Swiss Stage (February 28 to March 4)

Eight teams enter. Only four survive.

Win two matches and advance. Lose two and you’re out.

All matches are Best-of-Three.

Playoffs (March 6 to March 15)

Double elimination. One loss puts you on the edge. 

Two losses send you home. 

Every win earns Championship Points toward Champions Shanghai.

Schedule

  • Swiss Stage
    • February 28, Saturday – Swiss Stage
    • March 1, Sunday – Swiss Stage
    • March 2, Monday – Swiss Stage
    • March 3, Tuesday – Swiss Stage
    • March 4, Wednesday – Swiss Stage
  • No Matches
    • March 5, Thursday – No Matches
  • Playoffs Stage
    • March 6, Friday – Playoffs Stage
    • March 7, Saturday – Playoffs Stage
    • March 8, Sunday – Playoffs Stage
    • March 9, Monday – Playoffs Stage
    • March 10, Tuesday – Playoffs Stage
  • No Matches
    • March 11, Wednesday – No Matches
    • March 12, Thursday – No Matches
  • Finals
    • March 13, Friday – Semifinals
    • March 14, Saturday – Lower Bracket Final
    • March 15, Sunday – Grand Final

Outside of the competition, Red Bull will be onsite in Santiago with a Spike Diffuse activation game, event car display featuring a live DJ, and product sales across the arena. 

Tournament MVP

Only one player will walk away as Masters Santiago MVP. It’s about impact, consistency, and showing up when it matters most. A panel of talent, co-streamers, and media will decide who truly owned the tournament.

Stick around after the final to see the MVP crowned and the custom Good Art bracelet revealed.

Drops and Pick'Ems powered by AWS

Tune in live to Masters Santiago to earn exclusive Drops, including a special Title. Lock in your predictions and see how your reads stack up against the world.

Shotcall

Masters Santiago will also feature Shotcall, a live Twitch extension that lets you predict what happens next during official VCT broadcasts. Call maps, rounds, and clutch moments in real time, earn points for correct reads, and climb the global leaderboard. Available on desktop via the Twitch extension.

WHERE TO FOLLOW THE VCT


Make sure to follow the official VALORANT Esports social channels for additional information about 2026 VCT Season: