Riot Games Announces Valorant Champions 2026 to Be Held in Shanghai

Riot Games has officially revealed that Valorant Champions 2026, the pinnacle event of the competitive Valorant calendar, will take place in Shanghai, China. This marks the city’s second time hosting a top-tier international Valorant event, following the successful Valorant Masters Shanghai in 2024.

It will also be the second time Valorant Champions is held in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, following the 2024 edition in Seoul, South Korea — a clear sign of the region’s growing influence in the competitive scene.

APAC’s Rising Dominance Makes Shanghai a Natural Choice

The decision to host Champions 2026 in Shanghai reflects the exceptional rise of APAC teams on the global stage. Over the last three Valorant Masters events, Pacific teams have taken center stage, with Gen.G Esports, T1, and Paper Rex all lifting trophies.

Meanwhile, EDward Gaming (EDG) — a homegrown Chinese roster — won the Valorant Champions 2024, securing the first world title for China and firmly placing the region at the heart of the Valorant esports ecosystem.

Massive Viewership Underscores China’s Importance

The growing fanbase in China adds further weight to the decision. According to Valorant Esports Global Head Leo Faria, the 2024 Champions tournament reached a peak viewership of 9.1 million, with China alone accounting for around 80% of that audience.

These staggering numbers suggest that Riot's move to host Champions 2026 in Shanghai is not just about honoring APAC's competitive success — it's also a highly strategic business decision.

Looking Ahead: Champions 2027 Heads to the Americas

In addition to the Shanghai announcement, Riot Games has confirmed that Valorant Champions 2027 will be held in the Americas. While the exact host country has not yet been revealed, early speculation points to the United States or Brazil as the leading candidates.

With Shanghai preparing to host the world’s best Valorant teams in 2026, and the Americas lined up for 2027, Riot Games is continuing its global push to expand the reach and prestige of the Valorant Champions Tour.