The initial phase is behind us, and the stage is officially set for the most relentless stretch of the 2026 VALORANT competitive season.

Starting October 7, the remaining eight teams enter the double-elimination bracket for the Champions Shanghai Playoffs. After a chaotic group stage that saw top contenders sent packing early and dark-horse rosters break through, the upper-bracket quarter finals deliver immediate inter-regional heat and high-stakes domestic rematches.

With Americas claiming four playoff spots, Pacific securing three, and EMEA down to a single standard-bearer, the competitive dynamic couldn't be tighter.

The opening fixtures kick off with an all-Americas clash between 100 Thieves and G2 Esports, pitting two rosters with deep familiarity against each other on the international stage.

Over in the second half of the bracket, EMEA’s last hope Team Vitality collides with Pacific’s Nongshim RedForce, NRG takes on a hot-handed T1, and fan-favorite Paper Rex goes head-to-head with LOUD.

With a single loss sending teams down to the lower bracket where one more mistake ends their season, expect teams to bring out hidden map strategies, novel hero compositions, and maximum aggression from the very first round as they fight to reach the finals weekend at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Keep PlayerX open on Match Day to stream the match and track stats. You can see how your roster is doing and track match stats in real time, as they happen!