VALORANT Champions 2026 will be held in Shanghai, China, the first time Riot Games’ flagship esports tournament comes to the country and the city’s second turn hosting a major international VALORANT event after VCT Masters Shanghai in 2024. Riot officially announced the move in early August 2025, positioning it as part of a plan to bring Champions to each of VALORANT’s major global regions.
Shanghai’s selection reflects the city’s established esports infrastructure, its accessibility for international teams and audiences, and the vibrant atmosphere of Masters Shanghai 2024, which drew record crowds and viewership at the Mercedes-Benz Arena. That event set a high standard for community excitement, something Riot aims to recapture in 2026.
While the exact dates for Champions 2026 are not yet public, previous editions have typically taken place between September and October. Further details on venue, ticketing, and participating teams are expected in the coming months. Early community response points to enthusiasm for a return to Shanghai, highlighting the city’s reputation as a smooth destination for international visitors.
The announcement arrives as Chinese VALORANT teams, such as EDward Gaming and Wolves Esports, are making their presence felt on the global stage. The event also follows the surge in VALORANT Mobile’s popularity in China, where the mobile version quickly attracted over 40 million pre-registrations after its announcement.
Riot has confirmed that the following Champions—Champions 2027—will be hosted in the Americas, reinforcing a broader strategy to rotate the event among major regions. For now, the focus is on Champions 2025 in Paris. Once that concludes, attention will shift to Shanghai, with more news expected on venue, schedule, and how fans can participate. Shanghai is poised to become a cornerstone of the VALORANT Champions Tour in 2026.