Riot Announces Major Changes to the VCT Partnership Program Starting in 2027

Riot Games has officially unveiled a large-scale overhaul of the Valorant Champions Tour ecosystem, set to take effect in the 2027 season. The update will impact not only the tournament structure but also the very concept of partnerships, opening the scene to a much wider pool of teams and players.

A New VCT Format: More Tournaments and Open Access

The core idea behind the update is a transition to a more open and dynamic system. Riot is moving away from the traditional franchise model that has been in place since 2023 and shifting toward a tournament ecosystem built around open qualifiers.

Starting in 2027:

• Open qualifiers will be held before every major event
• The path to top-tier tournaments will be accessible to any team
• The Tier-1 scene will no longer be closed

This means that even smaller organizations or newly formed rosters will have a real opportunity to reach the biggest events of the season—without needing partnership status.

Replacing Stage 1 and Stage 2: What Are VCT Cups?

One of the key innovations is the introduction of VCT Cups, which will replace the traditional regional splits (Stage 1 and Stage 2) and become the backbone of the competitive season.

Key changes:

• Each region (EMEA, Americas, China, Pacific) will host two Cups
• A total of 8 tournaments will be held annually
• All Cups will have international status

Performance in Kickoff events and VCT Cups will determine qualification for the main tournaments—Masters and Champions.

This creates a clear and unified competitive path:Open Qualifiers → Cups → Masters → Champions

Global Calendar and Expansion of the Scene

Riot also plans to significantly expand the global reach of the circuit. According to early details:

• More than 20 events will take place annually
• Tournaments will be hosted across 16 cities worldwide

This approach is designed to bring esports closer to fans while increasing regional engagement and live event accessibility.

Financial Model: More Stability for Teams

Another major pillar of the update is improved financial support. Riot is introducing a system where teams receive compensation simply for participating in events.

Key highlights:

• Participation payouts for Kickoff, Cups, Masters, and Champions
• Prize money doubles at each competitive tier
• Total annual prize pool of approximately $6 million

Importantly, financial support will extend beyond partnered teams, helping create a more stable and sustainable ecosystem for all participants.

New Partnership Program (2027–2028)

Despite the shift toward openness, partnership teams will remain an important part of VCT—but their role will evolve.

A new two-year partnership cycle (2027–2028) will begin, with applications open to both existing partners and new organizations.

Main benefits of partnership:

• Base stipend providing guaranteed income
• Performance-based bonuses
• Team capsules (in-game branded items)
• Direct seeding into later qualification stages

However, partnership will no longer guarantee a spot in top-tier leagues. Even partnered teams will need to prove their level through competition.

The End of Closed Franchising: A New Era for VCT

In essence, Riot is ending the era of closed leagues and moving toward a more flexible, merit-based system where results matter more than status.

Key implications:

• Reduced gap between Tier-1 and Tier-2 scenes
• More opportunities for emerging teams
• Increased competition
• A more dynamic and unpredictable season

According to Riot, the main goal is to build a system where any team in the world has a pathway to top-level competition.

The 2027 VCT overhaul marks one of the most significant reforms in competitive Valorant history. Riot Games is clearly betting on openness, frequent tournaments, and financial sustainability.

The new system:

• Simplifies the path to the top tier
• Makes the season more intense and engaging
• Encourages stronger competition

As a result, the Valorant Champions Tour could become an even more exciting and accessible ecosystem—where not only elite organizations but also ambitious newcomers have a real chance to shine.