LOUD have been crowned VALORANT world champions after defeating Team Vitality 3-1 in the grand final of Champions Shanghai on October 18. The Brazilian squad closed out the tournament with a convincing performance, overcoming a familiar European opponent to claim the biggest title in competitive VALORANT.
The victory also marked an important moment in the history of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), as the 2026 edition of Champions concluded the current partnership-era format ahead of major structural changes planned for 2027.
LOUD Overcome Team Vitality in Shanghai
The grand final brought together two teams that had already faced each other multiple times during the tournament. LOUD entered the series from the upper bracket, while Team Vitality had secured another shot at the trophy after defeating 100 Thieves 3-1 in the lower bracket.
LOUD selected Summit as the opening map, but Team Vitality initially looked comfortable. The European side controlled the first half and built a 9-3 lead, putting LOUD under considerable pressure despite playing on the Brazilian team’s map pick.
However, LOUD responded after the break. Winning the pistol round helped the team build momentum, and the Brazilians gradually erased the deficit. Roberto “erde” Lobos played an important role with his Sage setups, disrupting Vitality’s attacks and helping LOUD complete a comeback to win Summit 13-11.
Team Vitality answered on Lotus. Despite LOUD’s individual plays, Vitality maintained control and took an 8-4 lead into halftime. The European squad continued exploiting weaknesses around C site during the attacking half, eventually securing a 13-8 victory to level the series at 1-1.
LOUD Take Control on Sunset and Haven
The momentum shifted decisively on Sunset. LOUD’s Enzo “tkzin” Zimiani and Lucca “lukxo” Travaioli helped the team establish a 7-5 advantage at halftime before LOUD dominated the second half.
Vitality struggled to match the Brazilians in individual engagements, while tkzin delivered an outstanding performance on Neon. His 26/10/3 KDA helped LOUD secure a commanding 13-5 win and move within one map of the championship.
Haven provided LOUD with the opportunity to finish the series. Vitality briefly threatened to regain control, but LOUD maintained the advantage through the first half and converted its bonus round after switching sides.
Tkzin continued to cause problems for Vitality, helping LOUD reach match point. Although the European team managed to win three consecutive rounds in a late attempt to extend the final, LOUD eventually closed out Haven and secured the series 3-1.
The result confirmed LOUD as the 2026 VALORANT world champions, ending Vitality’s hopes of lifting the trophy in Shanghai.
Erde Named Champions 2026 MVP
LOUD’s victory also marked a significant individual achievement for erde, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
At just 18 years old, the in-game leader had progressed from the Challengers circuit to the top level of VCT competition during the 2026 season. His ability to combine leadership responsibilities with strong individual performances made him one of LOUD’s most important players throughout the championship.
His MVP award highlighted the impact of emerging talent on the international stage and capped an impressive debut season at the highest level of VALORANT esports.
VCT Prepares for a New Era in 2027
Champions Shanghai also brought the current VCT partnership-era format to a close. Riot Games plans to move toward a more open competitive ecosystem in 2027, with additional tournaments and new opportunities for teams to compete at the highest level.
Partner organizations will continue to play a role in the circuit, but the upcoming changes are expected to reshape how teams qualify for and participate in international events.
For LOUD, however, the immediate focus is on celebrating a championship run that ended with the organization back on top of the VALORANT world. Their 3-1 victory over Team Vitality delivered the 2026 Champions trophy to Brazil and provided a memorable conclusion to the current VCT era.
Stay tuned to Gamelevate for more VALORANT news, tournament results, and esports updates.
