Introducing New 2027 VCT Overhaul

Riot Games has officially revealed major changes coming to the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) starting in 2027, introducing a new structure aimed at making the competitive scene more open, dynamic, and globally accessible.

At the center of the overhaul is a shift to a unified, single-tier system where all teams, partnered and non-partnered, compete within the same ecosystem. This removes previous barriers to entry and creates a clearer path for rising teams to reach the highest levels of competition.

According to Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, the goal is to completely rethink how the scene operates. He explained that the new format is designed to create a “high-stakes ecosystem where every match matters,” while giving every team a genuine shot at reaching the global stage.

Open Qualifiers and New Tournament Structure

Beginning in 2027, all teams will start their journey through open qualifiers, with multiple chances to qualify throughout the year. Successful teams will advance to regional events, including Kickoff tournaments and newly introduced “Cups.”

These Cups will be LAN events replacing traditional league play, determining the best teams in each region. From there, top performers will qualify for international events like Masters and Champions.

This system allows teams to make multiple runs at global events over a season, adapt between competitions, and build momentum more consistently.

More Opportunities for Non-Partner Teams

One of the biggest changes is the increased support for non-partnered teams. These teams will now benefit from:

• Cash rewards tied to qualification at each stage
• Access to prize pools across regional and global events totaling over $6 million annually
• Financial support for travel and participation
• Faster and more consistent payouts

This model ensures that high-performing non-partner teams can earn meaningful income and even outperform lower-ranked partnered teams.

Continued Benefits for Partner Teams

Partner teams will still play a key role in the ecosystem. They will receive:

• Direct seeding into later stages of tournaments
• Base payments and performance bonuses
• Revenue opportunities through in-game content like team-branded skins

A new two-year partnership cycle will begin in 2027, with applications evaluated based on factors such as community engagement, operational strength, and competitive performance.

Global Expansion of Live Events

Riot is also significantly expanding its global presence. The VCT will feature more than 20 tournaments annually across over 16 cities worldwide. Each region will host multiple LAN events, bringing live esports closer to fans.

More details about formats, qualification paths, and event locations are expected to be announced closer to the Champions event.