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VCT 2026 Kickoff: 5 lessons we learned from this weekend’s action

The VCT 2026 season has launched with all four regions hosting their respective Kickoff tournaments, and there’s already been plenty of action worth noting. From popular teams asserting their dominance to early signs of a refined and evolving VALORANT meta, the opening events have set the stage for what’s to come.

The VCT 2026 Kickoff leagues continue to deliver the kind of high-level VALORANT fans look forward to at the start of every season. Here are the biggest highlights so far across the Americas, EMEA, APAC, and China.

VALORANT esports is becoming more about aim than abilities

VALORANT agents collage reflecting Patch 11.08 shift toward aim-focused gunfights over abilities.VALORANT agents collage reflecting Patch 11.08 shift toward aim-focused gunfights over abilities.
Abilities still matter, but not as much as precise gunplay / Image credit: Riot Games

Patch 11.