VALORANT EMEA Challengers Promotion/Relegation System Explained

Since the transition of VALORANT esports to the partnership model, there has been widespread discussion regarding its structure. The introduction of the Premier game mode was aimed at attracting more casual gamers to esports. With the VCT EMEA Stage One currently underway, VALORANT has released more details about the upcoming promotion and relegation event in the EMEA Challengers. In this article, let’s delve into the event’s structure and what fans can anticipate.

What is the VALORANT EMEA Challengers Promotion/Relegation Tournament?

Image Credits: Riot Games

The Premier game mode was introduced to VALORANT in 2023, allowing players to form teams of 5-7 players. Teams are ranked based on their competitive ranking in VALORANT, with each stage of the tournament lasting an entire Act in the game. Following the launch of Episode 9 Act 1, a new rank called Invite Division will be introduced in the Premier.

The regional promotion events within the VALORANT EMEA region will take place between May 4 and 7, with the following teams participating:

• The top four Premier teams from their respective zones.
• Two relegated teams from the respective Challengers League.
• Either the top four teams from the region’s VALORANT Regional Circuit (VRC) or the winning team from the VALORANT Regional Circuit.

In regions without a VRC, only the top four Premier teams and two relegated teams from their respective VCL will participate in the event.

EMEA Challengers Promotion/Relegation Tournament Format

The tournament follows a simple format, starting with a single elimination bracket involving both Premier and VRC teams depending on the region. If there are only four Premier teams and one VRC team, only one Premier team will advance from the bracket. Subsequently, the VRC and Premier teams will compete against one of the relegated teams from the regional VALORANT Challengers League in a double-elimination bracket.

Image Credits: Riot Games

The top 2 teams from the bracket will progress to VALORANT Challengers League Split 2 for their respective regions. If an area has four Premier teams and four from VRC, they will compete in a single-bracket elimination. The top Premier and VRC teams from this set will then face off against the relegated VCL Split 1 teams.