Valorant announced that the VCT Masters Shanghai playoffs phase will be held at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai from June 7 to 9, introducing a new format for the tournament.
Valorant esports has grown significantly worldwide, with 2024 marking the game's highest popularity since its launch. All four partnership leagues are in their respective playoff stages. Valorant recently revealed the new format for the upcoming VCT Masters Shanghai, where the top seeds from each league have the unique opportunity to choose their opponents.
Riot Games announced the location and format of the upcoming event. As previously mentioned, the VCT Masters Shanghai will be held at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Shanghai.
This venue will host the playoff phase of the tournament from June 7 to 9. Additionally, a fixture draw for VCT Masters Madrid will take place immediately after the VCT Americas Stage 1 Grand Finals conclude.
The new format for VCT Masters Shanghai in detail
In the upcoming VCT Masters Shanghai, 12 teams will compete across two phases: the Swiss stage and the playoff stage. Here's a breakdown of how the tournament will work:
Qualifying Teams
The top three teams from Stage 1 in each of the four Valorant regions qualify for the event.
Championship Points and Playoff Bye
The teams that finish first in their respective VCT League Stage 1 will earn 3 Championship points and receive a bye to the playoffs bracket.
Riot Games
Swiss Stage Format
The eight remaining teams will compete in a Swiss-style bracket, similar to VCT Masters Madrid. The top four teams from this stage will move on to the playoffs.
Playoff Bracket Draw
- After the Swiss stage concludes, a draw will determine the matchups for the playoffs.
- The four teams that earned the bye will get to select their opponents.
- The top four seeded teams will be randomly drawn to establish the order for choosing opponents. This draw may be broadcast live.
Playoffs and Schedule:
- Once the playoff matchups are decided, the eight teams will face each other in a knockout format.
- Since the playoffs are scheduled over three days, it is unlikely that teams will play more than one match per day.
According to Bill Pan, the Head of Product Strategy for Valorant Esports, this setup aims to create a competitive environment while allowing the best teams to rest and strategize before the final rounds.
With teams having the ability to choose their opponents, it will be intriguing to see how the matchups unfold in this tournament. Only time will reveal the unique dynamics and rivalries that emerge from this format.
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