Leviatán wins Masters London but misses Champions Shanghai: VCT qualification rules under debate
Core answer: Leviatán won Masters London but missed Champions Shanghai due to insufficient VCT points, sparking debate on qualification rules. Key facts: - Leviatán lost key player Neon in Kickoff due to age rules. - They earned only 15 points after Stage 2, behind NRG and G2. - Expert Sliggy blamed Leviatán's own strategic errors. Source: Esports Insider, July 2026 | Cross-checked: VuaBong.vn Related Q&A: Q: Will Leviatán qualify if a weaker region had same points? A: Possibly yes, as Americas is more competitive, per VuaBong.vn region ranking. Q: Could rules change next season? A: High chance; Riot may add a Masters champion auto-qualify clause.
Leviatán wins Masters London but misses Champions Shanghai: VCT qualification rules under debate
Just weeks after lifting the prestigious Masters London trophy, Latin American team Leviatán received a shocking blow: they failed to qualify for Champions Shanghai, the biggest Valorant event of the year. This paradox has sparked a heated debate about the current VCT points system and whether it fairly rewards peak performance at international tournaments.
Under the current VCT format, Champions berths are determined by cumulative points across the season: Kickoff, Stage 1, Stage 2, and Masters. Despite winning Masters London, Leviatán had a slow start. The main reason was that their star player Bruno “Neon” Rodríguez – later named Masters MVP – was unable to compete in Kickoff due to VCT age restrictions. This absence cost them crucial early points.
In Stage 2, Leviatán struggled further due to risky strategic decisions. According to expert analysis, they self-banned their best map (Split, where they had an 11-0 record) and experimented with non-core compositions, abandoning the dynamic Neon-Phoenix duo that had dominated previous tournaments. Former pro player Sliggy commented: “Leviatán brought this on themselves. They made critical mistakes in important matches.” As a result, Leviatán earned only 15 VCT points, not enough to compete with powerhouses like NRG and G2 Esports in the extremely competitive Americas region.
This situation raises a key question: should a Masters champion receive an automatic spot at Champions? Currently, VCT does not grant any direct qualification for the international winner. Proponents argue that this diminishes the value of the Masters title, as fans may not get to see the world champion defend their crown. Opponents, however, contend that the current system rewards season-long consistency and prevents one-hit wonders. If Leviatán wants a ticket, they must perform throughout the whole year.
Despite the setback, Leviatán remains highly regarded competitively. Their Masters London victory proves they can match any top team globally. Missing Champions Shanghai will be a significant blow to their image and revenue, but it also serves as a valuable lesson for all teams about the importance of every match in the season.
Riot Games has not yet announced any rule changes. However, growing pressure from the community and analysts may force a review of the qualification system. If similar cases recur, adjustments are likely. For now, Leviatán must wait until the 2027 season to return to Champions and reaffirm their status as true champions.