NODWIN Gaming, in partnership with Riot Games, is gearing up to launch the broadcast phase of VALORANT Challengers South Asia (VCSA) 2026. With registrations for Split 1 officially closing on March 4, 2026, eligible teams across the region have a limited time to enter the premier circuit that serves as the official pathway to the VCT Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).
The official broadcast will stream live on the NODWIN Gaming and Valorant Esports South Asia YouTube channels, kicking off with Split 1 on March 16, 2026.
Building on a Landmark 2025 Season The 2026 season arrives on the heels of a massive 2025 edition. Last year, the tournament drew over 12 million views and achieved a peak of 50,000+ concurrent viewers, cementing VCSA as one of the most-watched VALORANT events in South Asia. The 2025 season famously concluded with Velocity Gaming securing the VCT Ascension Pacific slot after a dominant 3–1 Grand Final victory over S8UL at the Ascension Qualifiers LAN.
Leadership Perspectives
Expectations for the new season are incredibly high.
“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.” – Gautam Virk, Co-Founder & CEO, NODWIN Gaming
“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.” – Sukamal Pegu, Head of Esports India and South Asia, Riot Games
Tournament Structure and Key Dates The 2026 season introduces a multi-stage format featuring Open Qualifiers, two Splits, Promotion & Relegation, and a grand finals event.
Open Qualifiers & Playoffs
- Open Qualifiers: Taking place from March 7 to March 11, 2026, featuring Single Elimination, Best-of-Three (Bo3) matches.
- Advancement: The top 10 teams advance to the OQ Playoffs.
- OQ Playoffs: Features Double Elimination, Bo3 matches.
- Split 1 Qualification: The top 5 teams from OQ Playoffs qualify for Split 1.
Split 1 Mechanics
- Team Composition: 8 teams total, consisting of 5 from the OQ Playoffs and 3 direct invites (the top 3 teams from VCSA 2025).
- Format: Single Round Robin, Bo3 matches.
- Schedule: 28 matches spread across 14 match days, culminating in the Split 1 Playoff on April 8–9, 2026.
- Progression: The top 6 teams advance to Split 2, while the bottom 2 move to Promotion & Relegation.
Split 2 & Grand Finals
- Split 2 Format: 8 teams will battle in a single round robin format.
- Playoff Stage: The top four advance to a single-elimination bracket with Bo3 matches.
- Grand Final: A Best-of-Five (Bo5) series will determine the 2026 champions of VALORANT Challengers South Asia.
Game Changers South Asia 2026 Running alongside the main circuit, the Game Changers format features two competitive splits with open qualifiers. The winner of Split 2 will advance to the Game Changers Pacific Stage.
Registration and Eligibility Requirements
Eligible teams must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Rank: Immortal 1 and above (V25 Act 6).
- Seeding: Premier Team seeding is based on V25 Acts 4, 5, and 6.
- Region Requirements: Players must be from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, or the Maldives.
- Registration Links: Teams can register by clicking below link. You can also visit https://vct.nodwingaming.com for more information.
