Recently, Riot Games made a surprising announcement that Bleed Esports had been removed from VCT Pacific following the conclusion of the VCT 2024 regular season. Additionally, Riot Games revealed that Boom Esports, the second-place team in VCT Ascension, will be promoted to the VCT Pacific league for 2025. Let’s delve deeper into this news and examine the statements made by both Riot Games and Bleed Esports, as well as explore the implications for the upcoming VCT 2025 League.
What Led to Bleed Esports’ Termination from VALORANT Champions Tour Pacific League?
Image Credits: Riot Games
Bleed Esports earned their spot in the VCT Pacific by qualifying through VCT Ascension. Their impressive performance in the Malaysia and Singapore VALORANT Challengers league in 2023 led to their qualification for VCT Ascension Pacific 2023, where they emerged victorious in the grand finals to secure the 11th spot in the league.
Riot Games explained the termination of Bleed Esports by stating:
“Bleed Esports was terminated due to its failure to comply with critical reporting requirements and other vital obligations under the Team Participation Agreement (TPA).”
In response to Riot Games’ announcement, Bleed Esports provided a statement, mentioning:
“Over the last year, we have consistently engaged with Riot to address issues related to our obligations under the TPA. Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve these issues satisfactorily, leading to our decision to withdraw from VCT Pacific.”
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time a team’s promotion through VCT Ascension has sparked public statements. In 2023, VCT Ascension Americas winners, The Guard, disbanded following the event, with players moving to G2 Esports for the 2024 season.
Changes for the Upcoming VCT Pacific League 2025
Image Credits: Riot Games
Riot Games previously announced that each regional VCT League would consist of 12 teams beginning in 2025. With Bleed Esports’ removal leaving 11 teams in the league, Riot Games declared that Boom Esports, as the runner-up of Ascension Pacific 2024, would fill the vacant spot.
As a result, the VCT Ascension Pacific grand finalists will now participate in the VCT Pacific 2025 League. Many consider this switch to be fitting, given the competitive nature of the tournament and the enthusiasm of fans in attendance at the Jakarta venue.
