Valorant Champions 2026 Reaches Top 4 as Pacific Collapses
Valorant Champions 2026 reaches its knockout stage with the Top 4 taking place in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, which hosts an 18,000-seat capacity. The tournament features a semifinal lineup that underscores the dominance of the Americas region in competitive Valorant.
The Upper Bracket Final will pit Vitality against LOUD after Vitality delivered a commanding performance against G2 in the Upper Semifinals. LOUD secured their spot by eliminating NRG, the defending Valorant Champions, in a decisive 13-3 victory on the tournament’s final map.
The Lower Bracket Semifinals will feature G2 against 100 Thieves, ensuring at least one unexpected finalist reaches the Grand Finals. Prior to the tournament, few observers favored either LOUD or Vitality for such deep runs, making their performances particularly notable.
A defining narrative is the complete absence of Pacific region teams in the Top 4, with three of the four semifinalists hailing from the Americas. This marks a significant shift in regional competitive balance, as the Pacific region has traditionally been a powerhouse in Valorant esports. The tournament continues in Shanghai with the championship conclusion pending.