In a nutshell

• Tournament-First System: Open qualifiers feed into regional Cups, Masters, and Champions
• Global Expansion: Over 20 tournaments annually across 16+ cities worldwide
• New Partnership Model: Two-year cycle with base payments, bonuses, and in-game team capsules

Riot Games has unveiled a major evolution for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) starting in 2027, shifting to a tournament-first ecosystem that emphasizes open qualification, expanded global events, and a refreshed partnership model.

Beginning in 2027, the VCT will transition to a tournament-based structure. Open qualifiers will allow aspiring teams to advance into regional Cups, which replace traditional league play. These LAN-based tournaments will conclude with live finals in new cities, directly qualifying top teams to Masters and Champions.

Valorant’s expanded Global Footprint

The new format will bring VALORANT esports closer to fans worldwide. Riot Games plans to host over 20 tournaments annually across more than 16 cities, spanning regional Cups, international competitions, and global events. Each territory will feature multiple LAN tournaments, ensuring a more immersive and accessible experience for players and fans alike.

Financial Opportunities

The revamped ecosystem introduces robust prize pools totaling over $6M USD per year, alongside fully funded travel for global events. Non-partnered teams will benefit from cash incentives tied to qualification, faster payout cycles, and opportunities to earn meaningful rewards across multiple stages of competition.

In 2025 alone, Riot shared $86M USD in digital goods with VCT teams, highlighting the system’s financial potential.

New Partnership Model

VCT 2027 will also debut a two-year partnership cycle with updated selection criteria. Partner teams will receive guaranteed base payments, performance bonuses, and exposure through direct seeding into later rounds. Fans can support their favorite squads via Team Capsules, in-game skins that generate revenue for partnered organizations.