New Delhi: NODWIN Gaming, in partnership with Riot Games, has announced the broadcast kickoff of VALORANT Challengers South Asia (VCSA) 2026, marking the start of another high-stakes competitive season in the region. With registrations for Split 1 entering the final stretch, eligible teams across South Asia have until March 4, 2026 to sign up for the official Tier-2 pathway to the VCT Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).
The official broadcast of VCSA 2026 will stream live on NODWIN Gaming and Valorant Esports South Asia YouTube channels, bringing fans closer to the region’s top VALORANT talent as teams begin their journey through Split 1. Open Qualifiers are scheduled to run from March 7 to March 11, followed by the Split 1 broadcast phase beginning March 16. The Split 1 Playoffs will take place on April 8 and 9.
The 2026 season introduces a refined multi-stage competitive format featuring Open Qualifiers, two Splits, Promotion & Relegation, and a culminating Grand Final to crown the regional champions.
Split 1 Structure
The competition begins with Single Elimination Open Qualifiers (Best-of-Three), from which the top 10 teams advance to the OQ Playoffs. The OQ Playoffs will follow a Double Elimination format (Bo3), with the top five teams qualifying for Split 1. The top three teams from VCSA 2025 receive direct invitations to Split 1.
Split 1 will feature eight teams — five from OQ Playoffs and three direct invites — competing in a Single Round Robin format (Bo3), comprising 28 matches across 14 match days. The top six teams will advance to Split 2, while the bottom two will enter Promotion & Relegation.
Split 2 will again feature eight teams battling in a single round robin stage, with the top four progressing to the Playoff Stage. The playoffs will follow a single-elimination bracket (Bo3), culminating in a Best-of-Five Grand Final to determine the 2026 VCSA champions.
Eligibility & Regional Participation
Participation is open to teams from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Maldives. The minimum rank requirement is Immortal 1 and above (V25 Act 6), with Premier Team seeding based on V25 Acts 4, 5 and 6.
Running alongside the main circuit, the Game Changers South Asia 2026 format will feature two competitive splits with open qualifiers, reinforcing inclusive growth within the region’s VALORANT ecosystem. The winner of Split 2 will advance to the Game Changers Pacific Stage.
VCSA 2026 builds on a record-breaking 2025 season, which saw Velocity Gaming secure the VCT Ascension Pacific slot after a 3–1 Grand Final victory over S8UL at the Ascension Qualifiers LAN. The 2025 edition drew over 12 million views and peaked at more than 50,000 concurrent viewers, cementing VCSA’s status as one of South Asia’s most-watched VALORANT tournaments.
Gautam Virk, Co-Founder & CEO, NODWIN Gaming, said, “As we head into the broadcast phase of VCSA 2026, the excitement across the ecosystem is palpable. This circuit represents the pinnacle of competitive VALORANT in South Asia, and our structured pathway ensures that every team from open qualifiers to grand finalists earns their position through performance. After the incredible momentum of last season, we are confident that 2026 will further elevate the region’s competitive standard.”
Sukamal Pegu, Head of Esports India and South Asia, Riot Games added: “Competing in VCSA continues to be one of the most defining experiences for teams in South Asia. The level of competition, the scale of production, and the passion of the community make this circuit truly special. With the new season underway and the clear path connecting Tier-2 to Tier-1 already announced, we’re excited to see both established rosters and emerging contenders raise the bar even higher.”
With registrations closing soon and the broadcast set to begin, the road to VALORANT Challengers South Asia 2026 is officially underway, offering teams across the region a structured pathway to compete, perform and rise on the international stage.
