VCT 2022 EMEA Stage 1 Challengers: Teams, format and prize pool

After taking home the last few events, the best Valorant region in the world is back. After Acend's triumph in Berlin, all eyes will be on the world champs to pick up right where they left off. They will face stiff competition from the likes of Gambit and Team Liquid. Here is Esports.gg's complete rundown of VCT EMEA Stage 1 challengers.

Twelve of Europes best teams will compete in Stage 1 Challengers. Due to their impressive performances, last year and their attendance at champs, Acend, Gambit Esports, Team Liquid and Fnatic all received invitations to Challengers. The remaining eight teams qualified through an array of closed qualifiers.

The twelve teams will be divided into two groups of six. The group stage will be a single round-robin group. The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs. In addition, the team that finishes first in each group will receive a first-round bye. The last-placed team in each group will be relegated into the VCT promotion tournament.

The six remaining teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket. Each series minus the lower bracket final and the grand final will be a best-of-three. The two finals will be a best-of-five. The top three teams from the playoffs will qualify for Stage 1 Masters.

The twelve European sides will be competing for a share of the $200,000 prize pool. Here is how the money is distributed amongst the teams:

Stay tuned to Esports.gg for the latest Valorant news and updates.