Riot Games is shaking up the competitive VALORANT scene with big changes to its Challengers ecosystem, giving regional teams new ways to qualify for the international stage.
VALORANT Challengers Update: What’s Changing for APAC Teams in 2026
The developer recently announced the “Challengers Path to Champions,” which replaces the Ascension route. Instead of going through Ascension, top-performing Challengers teams will now have a shot at earning slots in the International Leagues’ Stage 2 Playoffs, leading directly to Champions.
According to Riot, each international league will now grant four slots to Challengers teams. For the Asia Pacific region, the allocation will go to the top teams from Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, while the fourth slot will be decided through a Last Chance Qualifier featuring South Asia, Oceania, and the 2nd and 3rd seeds from Southeast Asia.
Riot says this setup aims to strike a balance between rewarding historically strong regions and giving other areas a fair chance to compete. With Southeast Asia’s large player base, the region will also get multiple opportunities to secure international representation.
Teams that reach the Stage 2 Playoffs will receive a USD 75,000 stipend. Meanwhile, Academy teams will still compete in Challengers leagues but won’t be eligible for Stage 2 Playoffs. By 2026, relegation protection for these Academy teams will also be removed.
Riot is also tweaking Challengers Southeast Asia to focus more on local talent development. The new format will include local open qualifiers leading to regional tournaments and eventually a 12-team main event for each split. Local tournaments will be held in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, while other Southeast Asian regions will have their own combined qualifier.
Two top Premier teams from each Episode will also qualify for Challengers Southeast Asia, giving more players a path to compete regardless of residency.
Riot also acknowledged community feedback about streaming limitations. Starting next year, streaming exclusivity will be lifted, allowing local partners to broadcast Challengers matches in their own languages.
Each region’s detailed format and schedule will be announced soon.
