Challenger Series 2026 – Your Chance to Compete in Your Regional League
2026년 1월 20일A new year begins, and with it comes your opportunity to compete among the best for a spot in your regional Rainbow Six Esports league. That's exactly what the Challenger Series delivers, offering direct qualification spots to the Europe MENA League (EML), North America League (NAL), South America League (SAL), and the Asia-Pacific League (APL).
Teams of all skill levels can sign up to showcase their talent and fight for a place on the Tier 1 competitive calendar in 2026. This is where rising stars and familiar names looking to make a comeback come together, all chasing their moment in the spotlight.
format explainer
phase 1 - qualifiers
Phase 1 is open to the public. All registered teams will compete in open qualifiers played in a single-elimination, best-of-one (BO1) format. After the four qualifiers, the highest-scoring teams will advance to Phase 2.
qualifiers dates:
Open #1 - February 21
Register EML / Register NAL / Register SAL / Register APL North / Register Oceania / Register Asia
Open #2 - February 22
Register EML / Register NAL / Register SAL / Register APL North / Register Oceania / Register Asia
Open #3 - February 28
Register EML / Register NAL / Register SAL / Register APL North / Register Oceania / Register Asia
Open #4 - March 01
Register EML / Register NAL / Register SAL / Register APL North / Register Oceania / Register Asia
phase 2 - swiss format
Phase 2 will be played in a Swiss-system format and will feature a total of 16 teams. Across multiple rounds, teams will face opponents with similar records, ensuring balanced and highly competitive matchups. The top eight teams from Phase 2 will advance to the final stage.
Each region will also include teams that are directly seeded into Phase 2, based on their performance during the 2025 season.
Swiss Format Dates: March 3-8
phase 3 - finals
The final stage will be played in a single-elimination format, featuring the eight teams qualified from the previous phase. Each match will be do-or-die, and the two teams that reach the Grand Final will automatically qualify for both stages of their respective regional league in 2026, which will be held during the first and second halves of the year.
Finals Dates: March 12-15
broadcast
Only the third phase (Finals) will feature an official broadcast. More information with full details will be shared soon.
don't miss out!
The Challenger Series is the perfect opportunity for you and your team to prove you belong among the best and compete for a spot in your regional league. Sign up, compete, and earn your place in Tier 1.
stay in touch!
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