Written by Dante Uzel on 13 December 2024 13:58
With the 2025 VALORANT Esports season quickly approaching, Riot Games announced significant changes are coming to the EMEA competitive circuit. These updates are aimed at increasing the intensity of matchups and providing more opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams in action. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new:
VCT EMEA: Key Changes
The VCT EMEA league kicks off on January 15, 2025, with 12 teams now competing, including Ascension winners Apeks. The season will start with KICK//OFF, a 12-team double-elimination bracket format. The Championship Points system has been revamped to ensure high stakes across every stage. Additionally, the Stage 1 & 2 Playoffs will expand to feature eight teams.
Game Days: As in 2024, VCT EMEA matches will mainly be played on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, available for streaming on Twitch and YouTube. However, all Playoff matches in 2025 will take place Friday-Sunday, with the Grand Finals always scheduled for Sunday.
VALORANT Challengers EMEA
The 2025 Challengers EMEA circuit will consist of three major tournaments, scheduled for March 3-9, May 19-25, and September 1-9.
Format: The Challengers event will feature regional leagues in DACH, France, Spain, Turkey, and the newly merged NORTH//EAST region. Stages 1 and 2 will see 12 teams competing in a BO3 round-robin format, with the top team from each group advancing to a double-elimination Playoff.
Stage 3 will expand to include 14 teams from all regions, including MENA, who will compete in four groups (two groups of three and two groups of four). The top teams from each group will move on to a four-day Playoff to determine the champion.
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The Championship Points system for Challengers EMEA will reward higher points for teams performing well in the tournament, with the final Stage 3 offering the largest point payout.
VCT Ascension EMEA
While the full format for Ascension EMEA is still under wraps, it’s confirmed that the event will be held on LAN using a double-elimination bracket. The winner of Stage 3 Challengers EMEA will earn a direct spot in Ascension, with the remaining teams determined based on Championship Points. Further details will be released in 2025.
Game Changers EMEA
The Game Changers EMEA tournament will return with a slightly adjusted format. For 2025, the group stage will feature all 10 teams in a single group, rather than two. This change will increase the total number of games per stage to 45, with each team playing 9 matches in a BO3 round-robin format. This adjustment is designed to provide more competitive play and more opportunities for players to develop their skills.
Premier & VALORANT Regional Circuit
The Premier and VALORANT Regional Circuit will continue to serve as development leagues for aspiring pro players. In 2025, new tournaments will be introduced to give amateur teams a chance to compete and showcase their talent. Further details on these events will be announced closer to the start of the season.
Tags: VALORANT
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