Riot Games and JioBLAST to run VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers in South Asia from Nov 17–29, 2026

Riot Games has partnered with JioBLAST to stage the VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers in South Asia, scheduled to take place from November 17–29, 2026. The tournament will offer teams from the region the chance to claim two places at Kickoff APAC.

The agreement brings the season-opening qualification pathway for the 2027 VALORANT Champions Tour to South Asia and opens registrations for regional entrants. Competition begins with a Swiss-stage phase before moving to Playoffs later in the month. Organisers have set out a registration window and eligibility requirements for participating players.

The Open Qualifiers will run in a Swiss-stage format from November 17–20, with the top eight teams advancing to the Playoffs. The Playoffs are scheduled for November 23–29 and will use a double-elimination bracket to determine the two teams that progress to Kickoff APAC.

Teams may register at jioblast.com/vctsakickoff; the organiser lists November 13 as the registration deadline. All participating players must hold a minimum current rank of Ascendant 1 and meet the age, residency, account and other eligibility requirements specified in the official tournament materials.

Broadcast plans for the event focus on the Playoffs, which will be streamed live on the official JioBLAST and VALORANT YouTube channels alongside JioTV. Tournament updates, announcements and further information will be issued via JioBLAST and VALORANT Esports’ official social media channels.

Riot Games said the partnership with JioBLAST is intended to expand competitive opportunities in the region and to link South Asian teams to the wider VCT pathway. “At JioBLAST, we believe the future of esports depends on creating meaningful opportunities for emerging talent to compete, prove themselves and progress to the global stage,” said Charlie Cowdrey, CEO of JioBLAST. “It is a great sign to see BLAST’s global relationship with Riot Games extending to India through JioBLAST and it reflects our commitment to strengthening South Asia’s competitive ecosystem and giving teams a clear pathway to pursue their ambitions. We look forward to seeing the region’s best talent step up, compete and seize this opportunity to make their mark,” he added.

The VCT 2027 Kickoff Open Qualifiers will take place from November 17 to November 29, 2026; teams can register through the official JioBLAST tournament website until November 13, 2026 (midnight), provided they meet all eligibility requirements.