The 2024 VALORANT Esports season concluded with the VALORANT Champions 2024, where Edward Gaming became the first team from China to emerge victorious. As the season wraps up, discussions are brewing about the future of VALORANT esports, particularly focusing on changes to teams in the VCT Partnership Leagues. Recently, a fan prompted a question on this topic to the global head of VALORANT Esports. Let’s delve into the criteria and its implications on the VALORANT Esports ecosystem.
VALORANT Challenger League Teams to Receive Priority for VALORANT Partnership League 2025
With the announcement of changes to the VCT Ascension and VCT Leagues for the 2025 season, questions have emerged regarding potential removal of originally invited teams. The modifications revolve around the total number of teams in the 2025 VCT Leagues, which will be capped at 12 following the conclusion of VCT Ascension 2024. Teams qualifying from their respective regions via VCT Ascension must secure a spot in the VALORANT Champions 2025, set to be held in France, to ensure participation in the 2026 season.
Following these developments, @Bo_Hoogland, the Social Media and Esports Strategy Manager of VALORANT Challengers North: Polaris, confirmed news regarding VCT 2025. In response to his initial post, Leo Faria was asked the following:
“Will investment into Challengers be substantial to Riot when selecting potential future additions to the VCT Partnership Program?”
Leo Faria, the global head for VALORANT Esports at Riot Games, responded affirmatively:
“Yes absolutely. Teams still need to meet our criteria for partnership, but there is no question that orgs in Challengers are the first in line whenever slots open up.”
Therefore, organizations with teams in the VALORANT Challenger Leagues will be given priority. Additionally, Faria mentioned that each team is reassessed every season based on its performance. Previously, Riot Games had stated that the Challenger Leagues aim to serve as a training ground for new talent rather than a financially sustainable endeavor. Faria concluded that the new partnership cycle will commence in 2027.
