ValorantChampions 2026Let’s recap a full list of all teams qualified for VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026, including their rosters and some context.
VALORANT Champions 2026 is coming to Shanghai. Image Credits: Riot Games via Website
Which teams have qualified for VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026? Here’s a quick list and explainer, including rosters and some context.
As the weather gets chillier and gamers get more locked in, VALORANT Champions 2026 is fast approaching. The VCT scene is vastly different this year from the last, and some interesting things are happening in the circuit. For the first time in years, Fnatic has not qualified to Champions. In addition, there are more VCL slots in regional playoffs than ever, and VCL teams are crushing the EMEA circuit.
To fully follow the tournament, it’s important to understand its teams and players. Today, we’ll recap a full list of the teams that have qualified to VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026, including some important context behind them and their rosters. We’ll keep this list updated as more orgs qualify. Let’s dive in.
VALORANT Champions 2026 will stretch from September 24, 2026 to October 18, 2026.
Two years after its Champions 2024 win (which made it the first China region VALORANT team to seize the title) EDG is back at it again with another qualification. The org’s total points landed it a Champions Shanghai 2026 slot, and it’s had strong seasonal performances throughout 2026. EDward Gaming scored first place in China Stage 1, also placing third in Masters London. The team’s 2025 performance was lackluster, but this year, it’s proving it still has what it takes to compete on an international stage.
JDG has just qualified to Champions as of August 21. The org had a tough start this year, with an extremely poor Group Stage performance and an infamous 13-0 loss to FunPlus Phoenix in the Play-Ins. They also lost star player Stew in June, who has since reportedly migrated to rival team EDG. However, it has turned that struggle into motivation and surged through China Stage 2 to a guaranteed Champions 2026 qualification through Finalist placement. It’s the team’s first-ever international event: can they keep the momentum rolling?
XLG Esports has secured a guaranteed Champions Shanghai qualification through regional China Points. Notably, the org is relatively new, only joining the VALORANT scene and esports overall in 2023. It’s since stood its ground as an up-and-comer, already qualifying to three Masters events (Toronto, Santiago, and London). XLG was also a familiar face at Champions 2025, where it qualified but placed 9th-12th.
Paper Rex has been itching for a Champions win for a while, and it looks like they may get another attempt to accomplish it in 2026. The team earned a Champions Shanghai slot through its Pacific Points standing.
Since 2023, PRX has remained one of VALORANT’s overall strongest teams. They are known for breaking the mold with unique team comps and strategies, providing some much-needed creativity in the VCT circuit. However, PRX is also known for choking when it matters most: though the org has proven its international worthiness with a Masters Toronto trophy, they consistently storm through tournaments only to come second. Champions 2023 was the most memorable instance of this, as Evil Geniuses defeated PRX after a strong run. Could Champs 2026 be the org’s chance to redeem itself?
We’ll update this list as more qualifications roll in, so stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news!
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