ZHI-TECH Elite Masters Play-in: Preview

ZHI-TECH Elite Masters 2026 is a LAN event set to take place in Beijing, China on 23rd, 24th and 25th January 2026. Carrying a prize pool of ~$43,000 USD, the Chinese LAN will accommodate eight teams in a single-elimination best-of-three bracket that culminates in a best-of-five grand-final.

The play-in for the main event begins tomorrow. The three-day online play-in will accommodate sixteen teams in a single-elimination bracket. A single best-of-three win guarantees teams a slot at the main event. $21,498 USD of the main event's prize pool counts towards the VRS weightage.

Opening matchups

The play-in will take place entirely online and only Chinese broadcasts are listed at the moment. The main event is also expected to serve as the road to HERO Asian Champions League's closed qualifier as per an X post from XinSaiEsports towards the end of December 2025.