본문 : ESPORTS INSIDER - Rabia Sayal

Image Credits: Riot Games

Riot Games has announced Nestlé chocolate brand KitKat as an official partner of VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA for the 2026 season.

As a part of the collaboration, fans will be able to enjoy KitKat-themed content throughout the broadcasts, including ‘fun advertisements’, in-game break segments, and exclusive event kits.

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“KitKat will help us all catch our breath and have a break after intense clutch moments, helping players reset between rounds,” the official press release stated.

“During ‘breaks’ such as halftime, technical pauses, and tactical pauses, KitKat will help fans stay energised after every spike plant, side switch, and thrilling overtime battle.”

The VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals, taking place in Madrid, will also feature KitKat-branded thundersticks, signs and other merchandise. Moreover, the company will also organise fan-focussed activities at the venue.

Outside of VALORANT, Riot Games extended its League of Legends deal with KitKat for three years in 2024, which includes the 2026 LEC, EMEA Masters, and EMEA Regional Leagues. That said, this is the first time KitKat has partnered with the publisher for a VCT event.

Alongside KitKat, Riot Games has also secured multi-year collaborations with Red Bull and Sony INZONE for the 2025 and 2026 VCT seasons.

12 Teams Set to Compete at 2026 VCT EMEA Kickoff

The opening event of the 2026 VCT EMEA season will see 10 partnered organisations and two Ascension teams battling in a triple-elimination bracket, from January 20th to February 15th.

Taking place at Riot Games Arena in Berlin, the EMEA Kickoff will have three slots to the first VCT international event of the year, VALORANT Masters Santiago, on the line.

In addition to this, Riot Games has also revealed the formats for the Stage 1 and Stage 2 tournaments, with the latter introducing a new stage called Play-Ins.

All the matches from the 2026 VCT EMEA Kickoff will be streamed live on VCT EMEA’s official Twitch and YouTube channels.