Riot Games has announced major changes to its Valorant Challengers ecosystem with the introduction of the Challengers Path to Champions, a new structure designed to reshape how teams qualify for international competition.
Under this updated system, Challengers teams will no longer qualify through Ascension. Instead, they will now have a direct opportunity to earn slots in the International Leagues’ Stage 2 Playoffs, where the best will battle for a spot at Champions.
Each International League will allocate four slots to Challengers teams. In the Asia Pacific region, these will be divided as follows: the top team from Challengers Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea will each receive a direct slot in the Stage 2 Playoffs. The fourth slot will be determined through a Last Chance Qualifier featuring the best team from South Asia, Oceania, and the second and third seeds from Southeast Asia.
Riot explained that the allocation aims to balance recognition of historically competitive regions while still giving emerging areas the chance to prove themselves. For Southeast Asia, which has a large and diverse player base, the new structure ensures multiple paths toward international competition.
Teams that advance to the Stage 2 Playoffs will receive a USD 75,000 stipend. Academy teams will continue to participate in Challengers leagues but will not be eligible for Stage 2 Playoffs qualification. Starting in 2026, relegation protection for Academy teams will also be removed, meaning those that finish at the bottom of their regional league will need to compete to retain their slot.
Riot also confirmed adjustments to the Challengers Southeast Asia (SEA) format beginning next year. The competition will shift to a new tournament model composed of local events that lead up to pan-regional matches across two splits.
Qualification will begin with open local qualifiers in each subregion. Successful teams will advance to a local qualifying tournament, which will also include SEA Academy teams. The two best teams from each local qualifier will then proceed to the main Challengers SEA event, structured as a 12-team tournament. This process will repeat for both splits.
Five local qualifying tournaments will be held in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with a fifth qualifier combining the remaining Southeast Asian regions. In addition, two teams from Valorant Premier will earn qualification for each Challengers SEA split, regardless of residency.
Riot said the new structure aims to increase representation across the region while fostering stronger competition and local talent development.
To address previous concerns from teams and fans, Riot will also remove streaming exclusivity for Challengers Southeast Asia in 2026. The company plans to collaborate with local partners to deliver community-focused broadcasts in regional languages.
More details about each region’s specific Challengers format will be announced locally in the coming months.
Riot Games expressed appreciation for the continued support of fans and teams and invited the community to follow the upcoming season to see how these changes will impact VCT Pacific Stage 2 Playoffs.
