Filipinos are among Valorant’s most passionate supporters. Accounting for almost six percent of the global player base, and with several homegrown players on the professional stage, our country has played a crucial role in the game’s growth since its release back in 2020.
In the upcoming Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2027 season, the game will be at its most competitive, featuring the largest number of tournaments and open qualifiers its had since its inception. And at long last, Manila is finally included in its list of destinations for the season.
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Manila on the competitive map
The updated VCT format will feature a new tournament-first structure built around Opens, Kickoff, Cups, Masters, and Champions. Simply put, there will no longer be a Stage 1 and Stage 2 “regular season” for partner teams. Instead, every game will matter as partner and open teams battle it out for a spot on the international stage.
Where does Manila fit in all of this? According to the VCT 2027 schedule, the Philippines will host the Pacific Cup to determine the region’s bets for Masters València in Spain. Notable teams in the region include T1, Paper Rex, Gen G, Nongshim Redforce, and Global Esports.
Valorant’s most open season yet
According to Valorant Esports, the 2027 season will include more than 50 tournaments, creating entry points for all sorts of teams outside the partner ecosystem. “Open teams will have real opportunities to enter the VCT, face established organizations, and earn their way toward the biggest events of the year.”
Meaning, even a group of friends, however unlikely, have a shot to make it to the top.
To start off the year, Kickoff in VCT Americas, EMEA, and Pacific will each feature 12 teams: eight partner teams and four teams from the Open Qualifiers. The Open Qualifiers for 2027 Kickoff begin in November 2026.
Following Kickoff, Open teams can qualify for Cups, Masters, and Champions for a shot at earning qualification payments and prize pool earnings.
Similar to other professional leagues, Valorant was once exclusive, with limited seats for a set number of players and teams. Now, one can truly say that anyone can make it to the top of the game.
