Riot details VCT Pacific 2027 qualification system and US$100,000 payments for Open teams
Riot details VCT Pacific 2027 qualification system and US$100,000 payments for Open teams
Riot Games has outlined VCT Pacific’s 2027 structure, confirming regional qualification routes, two Cup tournaments and fixed financial support for non-partnered teams reaching its major regional events.
Kickoff retains eight guaranteed partner places
The season-opening Kickoff will feature 12 teams: eight partnered organisations and four Open qualifiers.
The Open places will BE awarded through Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia and a dedicated Last Chance Qualifier. The top three Kickoff finishers will qualify for Masters seoul .
Kickoff will take place in Bangkok, followed by Cup 1 in Manila and Cup 2 in Tokyo.
Every Cup place must BE earned
Stage 1 and Stage 2 will BE replaced by Cups. Partnered status will guarantee entry only to Kickoff; subsequent Cup qualification will depend on competitive results.
Each Cup’s 12 places will BE distributed as follows:
| Qualification route | Places |
|---|---|
| Korea | 3 |
| Japan | 3 |
| Southeast Asia | 2 |
| Thailand | 1 |
| Indonesia | 1 |
| Vietnam | 1 |
| Pacific LCQ | 1 |
South Asia and Oceania will have routes through the LCQ. That competition will also include teams narrowly missing direct qualification from Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Financial support rewards qualification
Every Open team qualifying for Kickoff or a Cup will receive US$100,000 per event, in addition to any prize money earned.
Teams reaching Masters seoul or Masters Valencia will receive direct seeding into their next regional playoffs. Other teams CaN progress through play-ins and Open qualifiers, with partnered organisations also required to use those routes when their results demand it.
The system therefore gives non-partnered teams repeated opportunities to reach the Pacific stage while requiring partnered teams to maintain their positions through performance.
