Build Your Fame | The Grand Major 2026
2026.01.30
Hey Contestants!
As the dust finally settles from TGM25, and the crazy rostermania we’ve experienced over the holiday season, the time has come for us to announce our full esports plans for 2026!
Introducing the Regional Fame Index
The Regional Fame Index (RFI) is our official ranking system. It’s a global leaderboard that tracks your team's competitive achievements.
1. Compete in officially sanctioned tournaments.
2. Earn points based on your performance.
3. Climb the leaderboard and clear your path towards The Grand Major.
Points are awarded at the end of each sanctioned event based on your final placement. The better you place, the more points you earn. Points decay over time, which means that consistency is king. Teams that show up and perform throughout the season will be rewarded.
For example, if your team earns 250 points in March, these points are worth 188 by August and 125 by December. Stay consistent and stay sharp!
The RFI season runs from February through August. By September, we lock the leaderboards and use the standings to determine the qualification paths to The Grand Major. Be the best and you’re through to TGM26, do well and you’ve secured your spot in the Closed Qualifiers. Your last chance is the Open Qualifiers - it’s never too late to reach THE FINALS, all roads lead to TGM26!
For full details on how points are calculated, decay timelines, and roster rules, check out our documentation: (Regional Fame Index)
Current RFI Standings
To kick-start the 2026 RFI season, 1000 RFI points have already been distributed across the top 8 finishers from The Grand Major 2025. If you watched TGM25, you’ll recognize some of these names, though a few have found new homes since.
How To Compete
In 2026, THE FINALS competitive scene is structured into two tiers that matter for your path to the top:
Tier 1: The Grand Major
Our flagship event of the year! The highest point value and the title of World Champions on the line, under pressure, on stage in front of our amazing crowd!
Tier 2: Prestige Events
Officially sanctioned, community-run tournaments that award RFI points. Organizers must meet our competitive standards including open qualifier paths, so every team has a chance to compete. Multiple Prestige Events will run across EMEA, AMERICAS, and APAC throughout the season.
Your Path to The Grand Major
Here's how your RFI performance translates into qualification:
1st in your region → Direct invitation to The Grand Major
2nd-5th → Direct invitation to Closed Qualifiers.
6th-9th → Invitation to later stages of Open Qualifiers.
Everyone else → Open Qualifiers - It’s never too late to reach THE FINALS!
New for 2026
South America: The top 4 South American teams on the AMERICAS RFI leaderboard will be invited to an exclusive SA qualifier in late Q3 2026, with the winner earning a direct invitation to the AMERICAS Closed Qualifiers.
APAC: This region is officially in the ecosystem! Teams across Asia-Pacific, Oceania, and China now have their own regional leaderboard and qualification path to The Grand Major.
No matter where you are or how you rank, there is a path to the biggest stage in THE FINALS.
For Tournament Organizers
We said in the previous post that we were doubling down on grassroots communities, and now we’re encouraging all community tournament organizers to be part of the road to the big stage! We're looking for tournament organizers across all regions to run sanctioned Prestige Events during the 2026 season.
Approved organizers receive official Embark endorsement, eligibility to award RFI points, and listing on THE FINALS esports calendar. You bring the event, we provide you with the framework and the global leaderboard.
Full details on requirements, sanctioning processes, and how to apply: (Tournament Organizer Guideline)
How to stay in the Loop
We’re currently revamping our esports portal on reachthefinals.com, with a Work-in-progress version live right now! Here you’ll find the RFI leaderboard, calendar of upcoming Prestige events as well as news and helpful links:
What’s Next
February: The RFI season begins! Sanctioned events are now operating.
February → August: Compete, earn points and climb the leaderboard.
September: Leaderboards lock, qualification paths are confirmed.
Late 2026: The Grand Major 2026.
Your road to TGM26 starts now!
Our esports ecosystem is community-powered and runs alongside the game's continued development, this is built for the players, with us right beside you.
Full Documentation:
Regional Fame Index
Tournament Organizer Guidelines
Embark Esports Global Rulebook
We’ll be sharing more details on upcoming sanctioned events, confirmed organizers, and the competitive calendar soon. For now you can form your team and get ready to reach THE FINALS!
See you in the arena!
