Introduction:
After last year’s Champions Paris, everyone is excited to see what’s in store for VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 Shanghai.
Following Champions 2025, this year is for the underdogs, many teams have grown and overcome their regional giants creating a much more exciting circuit this time around.
Going into Champions 2026, teams to look out for are; “100 Thieves” Regional Champions and in the best form in the team’s history. “NRG” Current Champs holders, after winning in 2025, they’ll be hoping to defend their title and “PRX” consistently dominant in internationals already reaching 2 grand finals this year but never sealing the deal.
Champions 2026 will be held at Jing ‘an Sports Centre for the group stage and playoffs. Then for an unforgettable finals weekend, the tournament will move to the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Pudong.
Claim your drops! Link your Riot account and watch the Champions broadcast to unlock exclusive in-game rewards.
A VALORANT Champions tour 2026 Shanghai win would make NRG the greatest ever, zero titles would make 2026 a failure.
Following their Champions win in Paris last October, NRG has remained one of the world’s strongest rosters. Keiko the only change arrived just after their win in Paris to replace the retiring legend s0m.
With this Champions being only the sixth Champions Tournament ever, it’s no huge surprise that there’s yet to have been an organisation to win it twice. In Shanghai, NRG have a genuine chance of doing just that. Solidifying their dynasty and becoming the first two-time back to back winners.
NRG would join only Sentinels and Fnatic as two-time global event champions. however, both of those sides only managed their still-impressive feats at Masters events. As of yet, no Champs winner has claimed any other major title.
NRG claiming their 2nd title would also make IGL and Team Captain Ethan “Ethan” Arnold. One of the greatest players of all time and the most decorated player ever with him winning three out of the six Champions Tournaments. Making him the first player to ever hold 3 Champions trophies.
Will the Chinese VALORANT Champions teams perform better in their home country?
Champions in Shanghai has the potential to be incredible. China will be more motivated than ever to win a trophy on home soil. Korea will be looking to bounce back after an underwhelming season, and both Americas and EMEA are as competitive as ever. It’s likely the biggest tournament of the year and the last chance for many teams to prove themselves before the season ends. However, with rise in popularity of the game and the competitiveness and money within China the Chinese will most likely excel in consistency in game because they will be living comfortably on home turf.
Will Paper Rex reach a 3rd final this year and come out on top in this Champions Tour?
Paper Rex enter VALORANT Champions Shanghai as a top favourite due to their world-class consistency. Unparalleled fire power and a proven track record on the grandest international stages.
Their hyper-aggressive, unorthodox “W-Gaming” playstyle continues to keep opponents entirely off-balance. While the highlight reels are often dominated by the sheer explosive mechanics of star duellists like something and Jinggg, the true anchor of their status is their unparalleled role flexibility.
Players like d4v41 provide a steady, versatile foundation across multiple roles that allows PRX to adapt flawlessly to shifting Metas. Having already secured runner-up finishes at major global events earlier in the season including Masters London they have firmly demonstrated that they possess the tournament endurance and macro-strategy required to deep-run any elite bracket.
Combined with a uniquely battle-tested roster chemistry, Paper Rex boasts both the tactical depth and the high-ceiling talent necessary to confidently claim an international trophy on Chinese soil.
We believe that VALORANT Champions 2026 will be a huge success in Shanghai and for the community. We feel this event will show how competitive the game can get at the high level. As shown over previous champions tours this event always entices viewers and keeps bringing in new viewers.
The fact that viewers gain in-game drops and sprays from simply watching is great. Showing other players you were actively viewing and taking part in the event.
Viewers also have the chance to try and predict the winners of the tournament through the Pick ‘Ems system. This lets players decide who they believe will win to receive the in-game rewards.
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