As we approach the final weekend of the Valorant World Championship, the big news dominating the scene is the recently announced changes to the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) format for 2025. Riot Games has outlined some significant updates to how the competitive season will unfold, and while there are some positives, there are also aspects that players and fans might find concerning.
VCT 2025: A Longer, Yet Familiar Season
The most notable change is the extended duration of the VCT season. Riot has effectively spread out the current format, maintaining much of the same structure but over a longer period. This means more consistent competitive play throughout the year, which has its benefits—such as a shorter offseason—but also its drawbacks. Some pros are likely to feel that despite the extended season, they’re still not getting enough competitive playtime, with large gaps between significant matches.
Arena Size and Esports Spectacle
One of the ongoing debates within the Valorant community is the size and atmosphere of the venues used for major events. TCK and other community voices have questioned why Valorant doesn’t utilize larger arenas for its most significant matches, especially when compared to other esports like CS. Riot’s response has focused on logistical challenges, noting that securing large venues for the entire three-week duration of events like the World Championship is neither practical nor financially feasible.
However, some fans argue that a condensed tournament format, similar to what we see in events like IEM Cologne, could solve this issue. By shortening the tournament duration, more matches could be played in larger arenas, enhancing the spectacle and overall experience for both players and viewers.
International Presence and The Esports World Cup
In 2025, Valorant is set to make a more substantial mark on the international stage. While the game was notably absent from this year’s Esports World Cup, insiders are confident that Valorant will be included next year. This inclusion would further cement Valorant‘s status as a leading esport, and fans can look forward to seeing their favorite teams compete on yet another global stage.
Upcoming Major Events and Locations
The VCT 2025 season will feature three major events: Masters Bangkok in Thailand, a Toronto event in Canada, and Champions Paris in France. These locations reflect Valorant‘s growing global presence, and each event is expected to bring unique local flavor to the competitive scene.
Masters Bangkok will kick off the season, followed by the Toronto event, which has already generated excitement within the community. Finally, the Champions event in Paris will conclude the season, bringing together the best teams from around the world in a city known for hosting major esports events.
What This Means for Teams and Players
The extended season format and the introduction of additional events mean that teams will need to adapt their strategies. The top four teams from the 2024 World Championship will likely receive a bye in the kickoff events for their respective regions, giving them a slight edge as the season begins. However, with more matches spread out over the year, consistency will be key to success.
Teams will also have the option to field Academy rosters in the Challenger series, allowing organizations to develop new talent while competing at the highest level. This could lead to a more dynamic and competitive scene, with younger players getting more opportunities to showcase their skills.
For more in-depth coverage and updates on the VCT 2025 changes, visit the official Valorant Esports page.
With these changes, Riot Games is clearly aiming to refine the Valorant competitive ecosystem, balancing the need for more frequent competition with the realities of running a global esport. As the community digests these updates, one thing is certain: 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Valorant esports.
