valorant

Three of four Challenger teams reach VCT EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs; Play-Ins end Aug. 16

The VCT EMEA Stage 2 Play-Ins concluded on Aug. 16, with three of the four Challenger-region teams advancing into the Stage 2 Playoffs. Major organizations Fnatic and Team Heretics exited their 2026 campaigns early. Allowing the top four Challenger teams into Play-Ins this year gives those squads a direct path to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2026.

• VCT EMEA Stage 2 Play-Ins finished on Aug. 16.
• Three out of four Challenger-region teams that competed in Play-Ins advanced to the Stage 2 Playoffs.
• Fnatic and Team Heretics were eliminated early, effectively ending their 2026 seasons.
• Every VCT region this year invited its top four Challenger teams into Play-Ins, creating an opportunity to qualify for VALORANT Champions 2026.