VCT 2027 Kickoff qualifiers in NA and EMEA: Dates, format and requirements announced

Riot Games has now published the concrete framework for the qualifying tournaments for VCT 2027 Kickoff in both North America and EMEA – and the road there is long and demanding for teams that are not already partners.

North America

In NA, two open qualifying tournaments will be held in November: the first from November 5–8 and the second from November 12–15. Both are run in single-elimination best-of-three format, and at least four teams from each qualifier advance. This is followed by a 16-team Swiss Stage from November 20–22 and a double-elimination bracket from December 1–6. The winner secures the North American spot at VCT Americas Kickoff 2027, which will be held in São Paulo. Second place gets a last chance via the Americas Last Chance Qualifier on December 17–18 in São Paulo.

The four non-partner teams that collectively qualify for Kickoff will receive a stipend of $100,000.

To participate, players must be at least 17 years old and have reached Ascendant as a peak rank within the last six months. Valid travel documents and visas are mandatory for teams that advance.

EMEA

In EMEA, the qualification structure is divided into three sub-regions: Europe, Turkey and MENA. Four non-partner teams in total will qualify for Kickoff in Berlin – two from Europe, one from Turkey and one from MENA.

In Europe, qualifier #1 runs from November 5–8 and qualifier #2 from November 12–15, with playoffs from November 26 to December 5. In Turkey, qualifier #1 is held from November 10–13 and qualifier #2 from November 18–21, likewise with playoffs from November 26 to December 5. MENA starts earliest with qualifier #1 from November 1–3.

The playoffs format varies: Europe uses double-elimination with a best-of-five grand final, while Turkey uses GSL group format followed by double-elimination. MENA is decided via a sub-regional final.

Players must be at least 17 years old and have reached Ascendant 1 or above at registration or during the last three acts. As a team requirement, at least three of five starting players must be residents of the team's home region, and a maximum of two non-residents are permitted in the starting lineup.