Riot Games Explains How It Chose 32 VCT Partners From Over 100 Teams

Riot Games has revealed how it selected 32 organizations for the 2027 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) partnership program from more than 100 interested teams. Although competitive results were part of the evaluation, the publisher placed greater emphasis on organizations capable of building lasting fan communities and supporting the growth of VALORANT esports.

The selected teams will compete across four regions: Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China, with eight partners in each. Riot confirmed the lineup on October 22, 2026, ahead of a new two-year partnership cycle covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Riot evaluated organizations across five criteria: community growth, fan engagement and content creation, business sustainability, operational infrastructure, and competitive performance.

The publisher originally outlined these requirements in April 2026. Its latest announcement explains how they influenced the final decisions, particularly the emphasis placed on building strong connections with fans.

Riot wanted organizations that could bring something distinctive to the VCT. A dedicated local fanbase, recognizable identity, competitive history, or ability to create engaging content could all strengthen an application.

Tournament success remained important, but Riot made clear that winning matches alone was not enough. Organizations also needed to demonstrate how they could contribute to the wider esports community over the coming years.

The selection process began earlier in 2026, when interested teams submitted proposals outlining what they could bring to the VCT and its community.

Riot then shortlisted applicants for interviews with its global and regional esports leadership. These discussions allowed the publisher to assess each organization's ambitions and plans beyond competitive results.

The final selection included organizations with different competitive backgrounds, fan communities, and identities. With only eight partnership places available in each region, Riot had to narrow a pool of more than 100 interested teams to 32.

The new partnership program will operate on renewable two-year agreements, providing selected organizations with annual financial support. Teams can also earn revenue through in-game products, including Team Capsules, Season Capsules, and the Championship bundle.

Additional financial incentives will reward organizations for their contributions to VALORANT esports, giving partners opportunities to earn beyond their guaranteed payments.

All 32 partners will receive direct qualification to VCT Kickoff at the beginning of the 2027 season. However, their partnership status will not guarantee places in later international competitions.

Under the revised tournament format, partnered organizations will compete alongside teams entering through Open Qualifiers. Non-partnered teams will have more opportunities to reach major VCT events without first securing a partnership agreement.

In the Americas, EMEA, and Pacific, partnered teams must earn their places at subsequent VCT Cups through competitive results. China follows a different format, with its eight partners and two visitor teams receiving direct entry into Kickoff and the first two Cups. Qualification for Masters and Champions remains based on competitive performance.