VALORANT Champions Shanghai Opening Day: How to Watch, What to Expect

The biggest tournament of the VALORANT season is about to start. Are you ready to watch? Here’s a quick guide.

VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 is Almost Here

VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 is on everyone’s minds as it draws closer. The tournament brings the world’s best teams together for the biggest stage in competitive VALORANT. This year is the event’s first time in China, bringing a new region of fans into the spotlight. Viewers can expect intense matches, bold agent picks, and high stakes on every round. This tournament is for all the marbles: it caps off an intense year of competition, crowning the best team in the world.

There’s a 2,225,000 prize pool to boot, with a sizable 1 million USD going to the winning roster. For more information before the tournament kicks off, check out our full guide here. We’ve included info about the best teams, most important storylines, format and schedule.

We’ve already seen plenty of big Champions Shanghai reveals. Riot launched an official anthem and music video, titled ‘If the Sun Burns Out Tonight.‘ We’re also getting plenty of teasers about the Champions 2026 skin bundle, which will likely include a fan and a Phantom.

Now, Riot is getting fans ready for the opening day ceremony. Here’s everything to know.

When is the VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 Opening Day?

VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 will kick off on Thursday, September 24. The Opening Day officially starts at 1:00 AM PDT. Here’s a quick conversion for fans in other time zones:

• Pacific (PDT): 1:00 AM
• Eastern (EDT): 4:00 AM
• Central US (CDT): 3:00 AM
• Brazil (BRT): 5:00 AM
• BST (UK): 9:00 AM
• CEST (Central Europe): 10:00 AM
• China (Shanghai, CST): 4:00 PM
• Japan/Korea (JST/KST): 5:00 PM

Who are the Champions Shanghai 2026 Opening Day Co-Hosts?

This year, Riot Games has assembled some of the biggest names in VALORANT as the event’s co-hosts. This means they’ll be popping up on the broadcast during the event, and also potentially livestreaming it throughout the tournament.

We have some big esports names on this list, like Tyson ‘TenZ’ Ngo of Sentinels and T1 fame, team captain MeL from Game Changers, and VCT pro SiuFatBB. In addition, there are streamers like Sacy attending. Here’s the full lineup:

• TenZ
• Sacy
• TcK
• MeL
• Loupiote
• Spicyuuu
• SiuFatBB

What Can Fans Expect from the Opening Day?

Aside from the Grand Finals, the Opening Day promises to be one of the most important experiences in Champions Shanghai overall. Usually, Riot hosts an Opening Ceremony. Sometimes this includes performances from musicians or other stage events.

Riot Games states:

“Forget what you know about Opening Day. This year we’re taking our city-wide collision of culture, community, and competition in China directly to your screen, no matter where you are in the world.“

The studio also calls Shanghai 2026 “the most ambitious, chaotic, and beautiful Champions opening we’ve ever built.” The celebration extends across the city, with pop-ups all over. Fans can do some shopping at the Artist Alley, experience interactive opportunities, and connect with other players. Pop Mart, Hai Di Lao, DOE, and the VALORANT Concept PC Bang are just some of the events available.

How to Watch the VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 Opening Day

The Champions Shanghai 2026 opening day will be live on VALORANT’s official broadcasting platforms. These include:

• Twitch
• YouTube
• VALORANT Esports Website

Stay tuned for more VALORANT news. We regularly cover new skin bundles, VALORANT leaks, and esports happenings.