If you’re an avid VALORANT player dreaming of going pro and playing on a big stage, there are new opportunities emerging as the game and the VCT ecosystem continue to grow and evolve.
In 2023, Riot Games is introducing a new partnership model that will allow players and teams to reach the top-tier international leagues through regional Challengers leagues. So if you have aspirations of reaching Challengers, you’re in the right place.
How to qualify for VCT Challengers
Run the full Challengers gauntlet
In 2023, Riot will host regional Challengers leagues around the world, including North America, Brazil, EMEA, Korea, Japan, and more. These leagues will start with open qualifiers, which will be run by various tournament organizers. Each region will have its own rules, but generally, you’ll need to register as a full team of five and meet certain rank requirements.
If you qualify through the open qualifier, you’ll have the opportunity to compete in the Ascension event, where the top teams from the Americas, EMEA, and Asia will battle it out. The winners of each regional Ascension event will earn a two-year promotion to the international VCT league.
Qualify for Challengers in-game (coming soon)
In the near future, Riot Games is planning to introduce an in-game tournament/competition system for VALORANT. This system will go beyond ranked play and may be used to determine new Challengers teams as early as 2024. The top teams from these in-game competitions could face off against the lower ranking Challengers teams in high-stakes matches, creating a relegation system that allows new online stars to challenge the established teams.
Riot has announced that more information about this system will be revealed before the end of 2023.