EMEA VALORANT League Considers Taking Matches on the Road
The first season of the EMEA VCT league witnessed 10 partnered VALORANT teams competing at the Coliseum in Germany. In an interview with EMEA VALORANT lead Daniel Ringland, the potential of hosting regular season matches in venues where fans can attend was discussed. Ringland mentioned the turnout of 6,000 fans for the match between BBL Esports and FUT Esports, which took place in Istanbul. The league organizers expressed their desire to hold such matches in stadiums to accommodate even more fans.
While taking regular season matches on the road is not new in esports, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events like the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League homestands were temporarily suspended in 2020. These events create dedicated fans through memorable in-person experiences. Ringland expressed interest in holding matches in France or Spain, highlighting regional rivalries such as Karmine Corp vs. Gentle Mates and Giants vs. KOI. However, the complexity and technical challenges associated with hosting matches in different venues make it unlikely to happen anytime soon.
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Ringland acknowledged technical issues and pauses in this year’s matches, expressing the expectation that next year’s broadcast experience will be significantly improved. If that is the case, the possibility of the EMEA VALORANT league going on tour would be more likely in the future.
EMEA Valorant league, regular season matches, hosting matches, Coliseum, loyal fan bases, homestands, home series, COVID-19 pandemic, technical challenges, broadcast experience.