VCT 2025: Evolving, competitive, and filled with fresh talent

The Valorant Champions Tour 2025 introduces significant updates to enhance competitive play and provide clearer opportunities for emerging talent. A key change allows VCT partner teams to establish academy rosters competing in the Valorant Challengers League. Over 15 organizations, including Sentinels, Karmine Corp, and Gen.G Esports, have confirmed academy teams for 2025. 

The overall structure of VCT remains consistent, beginning with regional Kickoff events, followed by two Masters tournaments and concluding with Valorant Champions in Paris. However, Riot Games has introduced a longer break between stages to give teams more preparation time for refined strategies. The Champions Points system also sees updates, ensuring fair qualification to major events. 

Big changes are coming for non-partnered teams in the league. Instead of locking in a two-year deal, teams will now work on a one-year contract, with the chance for extensions based on performance. Each region is limited to 12 teams, leaving room for two non-partnered squads to battle it out. Teams finishing 9th-12th will get sent down to the VCL, while those in 5th-8th will have to fight for their spot through Ascension tournaments. Only the top four can secure a spot for the next season.