Riot Games Reduces VCT Partner Teams to 32
The new 2027-2028 partnership cycle features a slimmed roster and a transition to a tournament-based competitive model.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in eSports
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Riot Games has finalized its 32 partner teams for the 2027-2028 Valorant Champions Tour cycle, marking a reduction to eight teams per international league. This move coincides with a structural shift toward a tournament-based system that emphasizes open qualifiers.
Why it matters
The reduction in permanent partner slots aims to provide more opportunities for non-partner organizations to compete at major events. By opening more pathways through qualifying tournaments, the developer seeks to create a more meritocratic environment for rising professional teams.
Riot Games distributed over $105 million to partner teams in 2025, including $86 million generated from digital team capsule sales. Non-partner teams can now earn $100,000 for reaching a Cup, $200,000 for Masters, and $400,000 for Champions.
The players
Riot Games
The American video game developer and publisher created and manages the Valorant Champions Tour competitive ecosystem.
Cloud9
This professional esports organization was previously a partner team but will not be included in the new 2027-2028 cycle.
Global Esports
This organization has decided to cease its competitive operations after failing to secure a spot in the new partnership program.
The details
Organizations such as G2 Esports, Weibo Gaming, Xi Lai Gaming, Crazy Raccoon, and GAM Esports have joined the program, while Cloud9 has been dropped. As a result of the partnership changes, Global Esports has opted to shut down its competitive operations entirely.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Teams learned their official partnership status.
November 2026: First open qualifiers for the 2027 Kickoff season begin.
January 14, 2027 - February 7, 2027: The Pacific Kickoff tournament takes place in Bangkok.
2027-2028: The duration of the new VCT partnership cycle.
Season Trajectory
This restructuring marks a departure from the previous franchise-heavy model, effectively forcing teams to rely on tournament performance to secure both revenue and prestige. By shifting to a system where non-partner teams can earn significant payouts, Riot Games is altering the competitive balance of the entire league.
Teams that maintain at least three of their five players will retain their points and progress into the new season. Fans and fantasy players should note that the tournament-based format increases the frequency of qualification matches, creating more volatility in team rosters and performance metrics.
The takeaway
The move toward a more open, tournament-driven format signals a long-term goal of increasing league parity beyond a static group of partners. Teams and fans should prepare for a more dynamic schedule where qualification for major events is constantly contested.
What happens next
The first open qualifiers for the 2027 Kickoff season are scheduled to begin in November 2026, followed by the Pacific Kickoff tournament in Bangkok running from January 14 to February 7, 2027.
Further reading
For more background on competitive structure, visit the eSports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TalkEsport.
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