All Chinese Teams Eliminated as VALORANT Champions Shanghai Playoff Bracket Is Set

VALORANT Champions 2026 has completed its group stage in Shanghai with all four Chinese representatives eliminated on home soil, while T1 and LOUD claimed the final two places in the eight-team playoff bracket.

China will have no representative in the playoffs of VALORANT Champions Shanghai after TYLOO, Xi Lai Gaming, EDward Gaming and JD Gaming all exited during the group stage.

The four VCT CN teams failed to win a single series between them, finishing with a combined 0–8 match record and just two map victories from 18 maps played. TYLOO lost to G2 and Team Liquid, XLG fell to Karmine Corp and Nongshim RedForce, EDward Gaming were beaten by LOUD and Global Esports, while JD Gaming lost to FUT Esports and T1.

The result is particularly disappointing for the host region, which entered Champions with four teams and significant home support in Shanghai. JD Gaming became the final Chinese side to leave the competition on October 2 after a 2–1 defeat to T1, confirming that the entire VCT CN contingent had been eliminated before the group stage was even complete.

The final playoff places were decided on October 4. LOUD swept Global Esports 2–0, while T1 defeated FUT Esports 2–0, joining 100 Thieves, Team Vitality, Paper Rex, NRG, G2 Esports and Nongshim RedForce in the knockout stage.

The playoff bracket will open on October 7 with NRG against T1 and Paper Rex against LOUD. One day later, 100 Thieves will face G2 Esports and Team Vitality will meet Nongshim RedForce. The playoffs use a double-elimination format and will continue through the Grand Final on October 18.

Champions Shanghai carries a $2.25 million prize pool, including $1 million for the winner. With China now eliminated, the title race features three teams from the Americas, two from Pacific, two from EMEA and Nongshim RedForce representing Korea within the Pacific circuit.

For VCT CN, the home tournament has ended far earlier than expected. After China established itself as a genuine international force in recent seasons, an 0–8 group-stage record represents a significant setback. Attention now turns to whether the remaining eight teams can convert strong group performances into a deep playoff run as Champions Shanghai enters its decisive phase