VALORANT Champions Shanghai: Strongest Teams From Each Region

Posted : 07 September 2026

The 2026 VALORANT Champions Tour is heading toward Champions Shanghai, with the best teams from the Americas, EMEA, Pacific and China preparing to battle for the world title. The tournament will feature 16 teams and is scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 18.

Recent Stage 2 performances and current form suggest that several teams arrive in Shanghai with serious momentum. Among the highest-rated sides are 100 Thieves, Leviatán, Nongshim RedForce and Paper Rex, while Global Esports have also made a significant rise in the global rankings.

Americas – 100 Thieves

100 Thieves look like the strongest representative from the Americas heading into Shanghai. After missing both Masters tournaments earlier in the campaign, the North American organization turned its season around by winning the Esports World Cup, beating NRG in the final.

The team continued that impressive run in VCT Americas Stage 2. They topped their group before defeating Leviatán and NRG in the upper bracket, then survived a five-map battle against LOUD in the grand final. The victory secured the Americas' top seed and further strengthened their credentials as a Champions contender.

Their recent results are also reflected in the Global Power Rankings, where 100 Thieves sit among the world's leading teams alongside Leviatán.

Pacific – Nongshim RedForce

Nongshim RedForce have emerged as one of Pacific's biggest forces during the 2026 season. Their consistency throughout the campaign has placed them near the top of the global rankings and made them one of the teams most capable of challenging the established international powers.

Paper Rex remain another major threat from the region. The Singaporean side won Masters London and dominated the early part of the VCT season, giving Pacific two highly experienced contenders heading into the biggest tournament of the year.

With both teams possessing international experience and strong recent results, Pacific could be one of the most competitive regions in Shanghai.

EMEA – Team Liquid

Team Liquid stand out as one of EMEA's strongest teams based on their overall 2026 record and global ranking. Their performances throughout the season have established them as a serious contender, although the region will face stiff competition from several other qualified teams.

Karmine Corp, FNATIC and FUT Esports will also represent EMEA at Champions Shanghai. The lineup gives the region a combination of established international experience and teams capable of causing major upsets.

China – TYLOO

TYLOO enter Champions as China's team to watch after producing one of the region's most impressive turnarounds of the season. They secured the Chinese Stage 2 championship by defeating JD Gaming 3-1 in the final, earning the region's top seed.

China will also be represented by JD Gaming, Xi Lai Gaming and EDward Gaming. Although Chinese teams generally sit below the leading Americas and Pacific sides in the global rankings, competing on home soil could give them an important advantage.

Teams to watch in Shanghai

Based on recent form, 100 Thieves, Nongshim RedForce, Paper Rex and TYLOO are among the most intriguing teams heading into Champions Shanghai. However, the tournament field also includes dangerous contenders such as NRG, G2, LOUD, Global Esports, Team Liquid, Karmine Corp and FNATIC.

The Americas and Pacific appear to have the greatest depth among the regions, while China's teams will look to use home support to challenge the established international powers.

With 16 teams competing from September 24 to October 18, Champions Shanghai promises to be the defining test of the 2026 VALORANT season.