Images: Canva
VCT 2025 will also feature a new format for each tournament.
Riot Games has officially announced the locations and structure for the 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), setting the stage for a thrilling year of competitive VALORANT.
The tour will be hosted in three iconic cities: Bangkok, Toronto, and Paris, each playing a pivotal role in the journey to crown the world’s best team.
Key Dates and Locations for VCT 2025
- Masters Bangkok (Thailand): March 2025
- Masters Toronto (Canada): June 2025
- Champions Paris (France): September 2025
These locations are set to host the most anticipated events of the year, with top teams from around the globe competing for dominance.
Season Structure and Qualification Path
“In 2025 we'll implement a number of changes that will make our sport more competitive and more exciting to watch,” Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports said.
The expanded calendar, which now runs from January to October, aligns better with the game and shortens the offseason, providing teams with more rest and preparation time between competitions.
Kickoff
The 2025 season will begin with VCT Kickoff for each region in January. This event will feature a new format, these events will place 12 teams in a double-elimination bracket. This streamlined approach ensures that only the best teams advance, with the top two from each tournament securing their spots at Masters Bangkok.
Stage 1
After Kickoff is Stage 1. During this phase, teams will compete within their regional leagues, with the top three teams from each region securing a spot at Masters Toronto. Performing well in Stage 1 is key for teams looking to build momentum throughout the season.
Stage 2
Stage 2 will bring fresh opportunities for teams, as records from Stage 1 will not carry over. The Stage 2 Playoffs will be especially significant, as they will determine the final representatives heading to Champions Paris. This reset in Stage 2 ensures that every team has a fair shot at redemption, making the competition even fiercer.
The 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour is designed to reward consistent excellence while offering teams multiple pathways to the ultimate showdown in Paris: VALORANT Champions.
When asked about the changes during the VCT Media Day, Leo Faria shared some of the considerations made regarding the format change. “We want to make things feel fresh, unique and special,” he said, stating that this year's season sometimes felt a bit repetitive. Another thing that was considered was for the teams and players.
“Some teams were out of contention too early,” he said, mentioning how some players had longer waiting periods in between competitions only to be eliminated too early. The new format allows them to have more chances to compete, to show what they've got and to stay in the competition.
The 2025 VALORANT Champions Tour promises a dynamic and competitive season with its new format and structure. By hosting tournaments in Bangkok, Toronto, and Paris, Riot Games aims to enhance the experience for both players and fans, ensuring that the journey to crown the world’s best VALORANT team is more engaging and exciting than ever.
