Brazil’s VCT 2027 qualifier exceeds 256-team cap

Brazil’s first VCT Americas Kickoff 2027 Open Qualifier had 294 teams registered by Tuesday evening, October 27, exceeding its 256-team limit. Additional teams have joined a waitlist while registration remains open until November 2.

Waitlisted teams are not guaranteed a place in the tournament. Matches will be played in two stages from November 5 to 9 and November 12 to 16.

Brazil’s registration total is higher than preliminary figures from several other VCT 2027 regions. EMEA had 66 registered teams, LATAM North had 49, Türkiye had 48 and LATAM South had 39. North America had more than 60 teams registered as of October 23. The figures cover different registration periods, and Pacific registration is scheduled to open on November 2.

The qualifier is part of Riot Games’ planned changes to the VALORANT Champions Tour in 2027. The circuit will replace its current regular-season league structure with Open Qualifiers, Kickoff tournaments, regional Cups, Masters and Champions. Teams outside Riot’s partner program will be able to qualify for regional competitions through their results.

Each VCT Americas, EMEA and Pacific Kickoff will feature 12 teams: eight partner teams and four teams from Open Qualifiers. In the Americas, Brazil, North America and Latin America will each have one direct qualification place. The remaining place will be decided through an Americas Last Chance Qualifier.

Teams that qualify for a Kickoff or regional Cup will receive $100,000 in financial support from Riot, separate from tournament prize money. Qualification for Masters will bring $200,000, while qualification for Champions will bring $400,000. Riot has announced plans for more than 50 tournaments during the 2027 season.

Brazil will hold two Open Qualifiers in November. Teams that advance will join invited rosters in a 16-team playoff stage. The playoff winner will secure Brazil’s direct place at VCT Americas Kickoff 2027.

The playoff runner-up will enter the Americas Last Chance Qualifier on December 17-18, where it will face the runners-up from North America and LATAM for another qualification opportunity.

VCT Americas Kickoff 2027 is scheduled to take place in São Paulo from January 14 to February 7, 2027.

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