Riot Games is revamping the VALORANT Champions Tour in 2027 to create a more inclusive competitive ecosystem, introduce regional tournaments, and reduce the gap between tier one and tier two teams.
Riot Games has officially announced a sweeping overhaul to the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) set to take effect in 2027. The upcoming changes aim to close the longstanding gap between tier one and tier two teams, create more competitive opportunities across all regions, and stabilize the broader esports ecosystem following years of structural criticism.
This monumental shift will coincide with the conclusion of the current cycle of partnership contracts, signaling a new era for VALORANT esports. Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, emphasized Riot’s commitment to evolving the ecosystem: “We want to build on the success, evolve what’s working, adjust what’s not, and set the stage for the next era of VCT.”
At the heart of this revamp is a renewed focus on regional diversity and competitive inclusivity. Riot plans to introduce a broader range of competitions, formats, and event locations that cater not only to established organizations but also to rising tier two teams. While global events will remain a staple of the VCT experience, the company is shifting attention toward creating more impactful regional tournaments that give underrepresented teams a chance to shine.
“While we think the number of global events is still appropriate, we’re looking to create more moments like that, especially at a regional level,” said Faria. Though specific details on these new tournaments have yet to be revealed, Riot promises additional updates throughout 2025 and 2026 as the transition nears.
A major motivator behind these changes stems from growing dissatisfaction within the VALORANT esports scene. Over the past few years, several prominent organizations have exited the competitive circuit due to limited seasonal matches, poor return on investment, and low exposure for teams outside the top-tier bracket. Tier one teams often only played around 20 series per season unless they performed exceptionally well, leading to limited visibility, high roster turnover, and overall instability.
By raising the stakes in the Challengers league and fostering a more accessible format, Riot hopes to attract fresh investments and reinvigorate interest from organizations across all tiers. Partnerships will still serve as the backbone of the VCT ecosystem, but the structure surrounding them is expected to be more dynamic and opportunity-rich.
In parallel with the VCT overhaul, VALORANT is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. Riot has announced the upcoming release of a new map, a long-awaited replay system, and a major Unreal Engine 5 upgrade that will enhance the game’s visual fidelity. Celebrations will also take place at Riot Play Clubs around the world, featuring themed events, in-game items, and community activities.
With these ambitious changes, Riot Games is aiming not just to evolve the VCT but to ensure VALORANT remains a competitive, sustainable, and globally relevant esport for years to come.
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