This year has been a boom for VALORANT esports worldwide. In 2024, the game was the most popular since its launch in various regions. Each of the four partnership leagues is in its respective Playoff phases. Recently, VALORANT announced the new format for the upcoming VCT Masters Shanghai event, with a unique format where the top seeds from each league can decide their opponents. In this article, let’s take a look into the new format and what fans of VALORANT esports can expect.
What Is The Announced Venue for the VCT Masters Shanghai Playoffs?
Image Credits: Riot Games
Continuing on the momentum from the VCT Masters Madrid, VALORANT announced the location and format for the upcoming event. As reported earlier, the VCT Masters Shanghai will take place at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai. This will be just for the playoffs phase of the tournament, which will take place from June 7 to 9. There will also be a VCT Masters Madrid fixture draw. That will take place right after the VCT Americas Stage 1 Grand Finals ends.
A Detailed Explanation of the VCT Masters Shanghai Tournament Format
Image Credits: Riot Games
For the upcoming VCT Masters Shanghai, 12 teams will participate. From each of the four regions of VALORANT, the top 3 teams from Stage 1 will qualify for the event. The event will have two phases: the Swiss stage and the playoffs stage. Each team that finishes first in their respective VCT League Stage 1 will receive 3 Championship points. They will also receive a bye to the playoffs bracket.
The remaining eight teams will participate in a Swiss-style bracket similar to VCT Masters Madrid. Four teams will qualify for the playoffs bracket. After the completion of the Swiss Bracket, a draw will take place. In this draw, the teams who received the bye will be able to select their opponents.
According to Bill Pan, Head of product strategy for VALORANT Esports, the top 4 seeded teams will be randomly drawn into the pick order to decide which team gets the first pick. This draw might be live and will take place immediately after the Swiss stage of the event comes to a close.
Image Credits: Riot Games
After the four teams decide on their opponents, the top eight teams will face off against each other. As there are only three days allocated for the playoff stage, it is believed that the top eight teams will play in a direct knockout format. It is improbable that teams will have to play two games a day during VCT Masters Shanghai. With teams being able to select their opponents, only time will tell how interesting the matchups will be in this tournament.
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