Riot Games has announced a new concept to significantly evolve the international FPS VALORANT tournament, VALORANT Champions Tour (hereinafter VCT), heading into 2027.
New Concept for FPS VALORANT International Tournament VCT Announced!
This announcement marks the first update for the FPS VALORANT competitive scene.
The international VCT tournament is expected to transition from a conventional league-based structure to a tournament-based model heading into 2027, with high-stakes matches unfolding throughout the season.
Additionally, an expansion of offline events around the world and a system providing every team with new opportunities to qualify for Masters and Champions will be introduced.
The important points outlined in this update are as follows:
- Every match should carry weight
- The path to global events should be open
- Live events should visit more locations
The aim of these three pillars is to realize exciting and unpredictable matches and a competitive environment that is easy for teams and players around the world to participate in.
New Partnership Program Starting from 2027
VCT will open a new two-year partnership program starting from 2027.
Various support will be provided to teams that become partners, including:
- Base Stipend: Guaranteed payment of a fixed annual base stipend to partner teams
- Performance Bonus: Additional rewards granted to teams that show high performance in achieving partnership goals
- Team Capsules: Sets of in-game skins, through which fans can support their favorite teams
- Direct Seeding: Ability to skip the first round and participate in the latter half of qualifiers, resulting in more stability and exposure opportunities
Partnership applications started from Wednesday, April 8, 2026!
Teams that have a track record but are not participating at this time can also apply through their regional Riot Esports contact point.
Please check the Riot Games official website for selection criteria.
Open Qualifiers for Global Tournaments to be Held! Opportunities Expanding to Several Times a Year
From 2027, participation in Masters and Champions will change to a system starting from open qualifiers.
Through this, all teams will be able to get chances to participate in global tournaments multiple times a year.
Participation routes are set for each region and may include programs such as:
- Community tournaments
- Partner events
- Collegiate events
- Premier
As details are scheduled to be announced again within the year, let's wait for further news on the Riot Games official website.
Introducing VCT Prize Money Distribution! Including Examples of Revenue Sharing
VALORANT digital content is achieving great success supported by many fans.
In the most recent year alone, a total of $86 million has been distributed to VCT teams from digital item sales, leading to the construction of a competitive environment for teams to continue their activities.
From 2027 onwards, a system to provide revenue opportunities to all top-level teams is under development.
Each team will be paid participation rewards for each tournament by qualifying for the competition.
This amount is designed to roughly double as the scale and importance of the tournament increases.
Furthermore, a total annual prize pool of $6 million is prepared for each tournament, and travel expenses will be fully paid for teams participating in global tournaments.
Additionally, part of the revenue is planned to be allocated to the Game Changers program.
As details will be announced again within the year, let's wait for further news on the Riot Games official website.
VCT Cups Established! Teams That Won Through Open Qualifiers Will Participate
PR TIMES
The core of the new VCT is VCT Cups!
These are offline tournaments where teams that have advanced through open qualifiers can participate, and they will be held twice a year per region, for a total of eight times.
Features of VCT Cups
- Replaces regular season league play
- Concludes with a finals weekend event
- Directly qualifies teams to Masters and Champions
Furthermore, Kickoff and Cups will be held at studios and various venues as audience-participation events.
Approximately 20 tournaments across more than 16 cities per year are planned!
Kickoff will be held as a season-opening event as before, and all teams can participate.
New Competitive System and the Future of VCT
From the 2027 VCT, the system will transition to one where all teams compete within the same tier.
Through this, it will become easier for new teams to enter, and more teams will be able to directly aim for the top of the world.
The new VCT will change with the goal of providing further value, including:
- Higher stakes from the first match
- Faster progression to global stages
- More regional events
- Greater competitive opportunity
Check for further news on the Riot Games official website for details such as regional schedules, slot allocations, and event locations!
