The Masters of Madrid, set to kick off on March 14th, hasn’t started yet, but Riot Games is already prepared to transition to the leagues of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) regions. Last Friday, the developer announced the distribution of groups, format, and schedules for the VCT EMEA, which will be divided into two distinct phases: pre and post the Masters of Shanghai, China.
Group Distribution and Format
All teams qualified for the Masters of Madrid are ready following the Kickoff. In Europe, the champion was Karmine Corp, who defeated Team Heretics in the final. Elements from the start of the VALORANT Champions Tour will be retained in the VCT EMEA leagues, including group distribution.
Fate has wanted the three Spanish representatives to be paired in the same bracket. The group stage of the VCT EMEA will be divided into two groups:
Group Alpha:
- BBL Esports
- Fnatic
- Karmine Corp
- Team Liquid
- Team Vitality
Group Omega:
- FUT Esports
- Gentle Mates
- GIANTX
- Movistar KOI
- Natus Vincere
- Team Heretics
#VCTEMEA Regular Season 2024: Stage 1 groups are locked in! 🔒
Catch the action live on April 3 – May 12!
🔗 https://t.co/RkYcDEZXV0 pic.twitter.com/puKe0V0r3z
— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_emea) March 8, 2024
Group stage matches will always be played in best-of-three series. The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, which have an upper and lower bracket format.
Phases of the VCT EMEA
The VCT EMEA will be divided into two main phases:
Stage 1:
- Group Stage: Starting April 3rd.
- Playoffs: May 8th to 12th.
In this stage, teams will accumulate points for the World Championship and primarily aim to qualify for the Masters of Shanghai.
Stage 2:
- Group Stage: Starting June 18th.
- Playoffs: July 15th to 19th.
In the second stage, the top three teams will travel to South Korea for the VALORANT Champions, while the last spot will be decided based on accumulated points.
This is how the #VCTGameChangersEMEA Stage 1 Playoffs bracket looks after Day 4! 👀
Action will continue with exciting matchups today!
🔗 https://t.co/RkYcDEZq5s pic.twitter.com/X97xp1tUpp
— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_emea) March 8, 2024
A Thrilling Showdown of VALORANT’s Finest Teams
The group distribution, format, and schedule of the VCT EMEA promise an exciting and action-packed competition for VALORANT fans. With high-level teams competing for a spot in the playoffs and the opportunity to qualify for international events, the VCT EMEA will be a test of skill and strategy for players and an exhilarating experience for spectators.