The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is Riot Games’ premier esports circuit for competitive Valorant, featuring the best teams and players from around the world. Since its launch in 2021, the VCT has evolved into a global esports ecosystem with international leagues, major tournaments, and the highly anticipated Valorant Champions event.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- ✅ What is the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)?
- ✅ How the Valorant esports structure works
- ✅ Major tournaments and how teams qualify
- ✅ How to watch and follow Valorant esports
What is the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT)?
The VCT is Riot Games’ official professional Valorant circuit, designed to crown the best Valorant team in the world every year. The competition features regional leagues, global tournaments, and an annual world championship.
Why is VCT Important?
- Establishes a clear competitive structure for pro players.
- Brings together the best teams from every region.
- Showcases the highest level of Valorant gameplay.
- Gives upcoming teams a chance to prove themselves in major tournaments.
- The VCT ecosystem has evolved, with franchised leagues, international events, and pathways for rising talents to reach the top.
Valorant Esports Structure: How VCT Works
Valorant’s esports scene follows a tiered system, featuring both professional and amateur competitions.
International Leagues (Top-Level Pro Play) The highest tier of Valorant esports consists of three major international leagues, each hosting franchised teams that compete throughout the year:
- 🏆 VCT Americas – North & South America
- 🏆 VCT EMEA – Europe, Middle East, and Africa
- 🏆 VCT Pacific – Asia-Pacific regions
Top teams from these leagues qualify for global tournaments like Masters and Champions.
Only partnered organizations get to compete in these leagues, making them highly exclusive.
Global Tournaments (International Majors)
Throughout the year, Riot hosts global events where the best teams from each region compete:
- 🌍 VCT Masters – A mid-year international event where the top teams from Americas, EMEA, and Pacific compete for global supremacy.
- 🏆 Valorant Champions – The biggest event of the year, featuring the world’s top 16 teams competing for the World Championship title.
Teams earn points throughout the season to qualify for these global tournaments.
Winning Champions is the ultimate goal for every pro team.
Challengers & Ascension (Pathway for Rising Teams)
For teams that aren’t in franchised leagues, Riot introduced the Challengers and Ascension system, allowing new talent to rise.
- 🛡 Challengers Leagues – Semi-pro leagues where teams compete for a chance to qualify for Ascension tournaments.
- ⚔️ Ascension Tournaments – Winners of Ascension tournaments get promoted into the international leagues, providing a pathway to the top level of pro play.
This system ensures fresh talent can break into the highest level of Valorant esports.
Major Valorant Esports Tournaments & Events
The Valorant esports calendar features several major tournaments, each playing a crucial role in determining the best teams in the world.
Valorant Champions (World Championship)
- 🏆 The most prestigious event in Valorant esports.
- 📅 Held annually at the end of the competitive season.
- 🌍 Features the top 16 teams from all regions, competing for the title of World Champion.
🔹 Past Champions:
- 2021: Acend (EMEA) 🏆
- 2022: LOUD (Americas) 🏆
- 2023: Evil Geniuses (Americas) 🏆
VCT Masters (Mid-Season International Tournament)
- 📅 Happens twice per year before Champions.
- 🌍 Features the top teams from each international league.
- 🎯 Used to determine which region is the strongest heading into Champions.
🔹 Past Masters Winners:
- Masters Reykjavik 2021: Sentinels 🏆
- Masters Copenhagen 2022: FunPlus Phoenix 🏆
- Masters Tokyo 2023: Fnatic 🏆
Game Changers (Women’s Valorant Esports)
Valorant Game Changers is Riot’s initiative to support women and marginalized genders in esports.
- 💜 Game Changers Circuit features teams competing globally in their own league.
- 💜 Game Changers Championship is the biggest event for female pro players.
- 💜 Helps develop future talent in the Valorant esports scene.
🔹 Past Champions:
- 2021: Cloud9 White 🏆
- 2022: G2 Gozen 🏆
- 2023: Shopify Rebellion 🏆
How to Watch Valorant Esports & Stay Updated
Keeping up with Valorant esports is easy and exciting, thanks to Riot’s official streams and community coverage.
Where to Watch Live Matches. Matches are broadcast live, with professional casters, analysts, and breakdowns.
- 🎥 Twitch (Official Valorant Channel) – twitch.tv/valorant
- 🎥 YouTube (Valorant Esports Channel) – youtube.com/valorant
Best Ways to Follow Valorant Esports News
- 📢 Valorant Esports Website – valorantesports.com (Official updates & schedules)
- 📢 Twitter (@ValorantEsports) – Fastest updates on matches, rosters, and tournaments.
- 📢 Reddit (/r/ValorantCompetitive) – Community discussions & tournament reactions.
In-Game Watch Parties & Drops
- 👀 In-Game Watch Parties – Riot often hosts special viewing events within the Valorant client.
- 🎁 Twitch Drops – Watch official broadcasts to earn exclusive in-game rewards like sprays and banners.
Why Valorant Esports is Growing Fast Valorant esports has exploded in popularity due to:
- ✅ Tactical, high-skill gameplay that rewards strategy and precision.
- ✅ Exciting international rivalries between Americas, EMEA, and Pacific teams.
- ✅ Riot Games’ strong support for both pro players and grassroots tournaments.
- ✅ Game Changers program, helping women’s esports grow.
With bigger prize pools, more tournaments, and a growing player base, Valorant is becoming one of the top FPS esports in the world.
The Future of Valorant Esports: As Valorant’s competitive scene continues to grow, expect:
- 🚀 More global tournaments with bigger prize pools.
- 🚀 More regions getting added to the VCT system.
- 🚀 Expanded Game Changers events to develop new talent.
- 🚀 Potential LAN events with in-game integration.
Conclusion: Why You Should Watch Valorant Esports
Valorant’s fast-paced matches, incredible clutches, and tactical depth make it one of the most exciting esports to watch.
- 🏆 Follow the best teams as they compete for global dominance.
- 🔥 Learn high-level strategies from pro players.
- 🎯 Get inspired to improve your own gameplay.
With VCT, Game Changers, and Challengers circuits, Valorant esports offers something for everyone—from casual fans to aspiring pros. Are you ready to dive into the action? 🚀🎮🔥
What’s your favorite Valorant esports team? Who do you think will win the next Valorant Champions? Let us know in the comments! 🏆