Leo Faria Confirms Nine Teams in Running for KOI’s VCT Slot

Riot Games is in the final stages of selecting a new organization to take over KOI’s VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) slot, according to Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports.

Speaking about the process, Faria confirmed that nine teams are currently in contention for the spot, undergoing the same rigorous evaluation process used during the 2022 partnership selections.

“I can’t give any percentages, but the selection process is underway,” Faria stated. “We look at several things: who owns the club, are they serious, do they share our values, can they field a competitive roster, do they have a strong community and brand?”

Leo Faria's Words

Faria hinted that Gentle Mates, the French organization with a strong domestic following, is among the leading candidates.

However, he emphasized that Riot is keeping an open mind, aiming to “be surprised,” just as they were during the original partner team selections four years ago.

Riot intends to announce the chosen team before Ascension Day (October 18–26), giving the organization enough time to assemble a competitive roster before the transfer window opens shortly after the Champions tournament.

This decision marks a pivotal moment for the EMEA VCT scene, as the new team will inherit KOI’s slot and have the opportunity to make a fresh impact in 2026’s competitive circuit.