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Valorant Champions Tour 2025 – Everything You Need to Know

Andrew Boggs

Sports Writer

Publish Date: 20/01/2025

Fact checked by: Alyx Tzamantanis

Key Points

The Valorant 2025 season started on 11 January
2025 will see new players introduced to key teams
2024 was the biggest year ever for Valorant

Key Changes in Valorant Champions Tour 2025

Valorant was released in 2020 and quickly became one of the most popular esports games in the world. It might have been around for 25 years, but it’s showing no signs of slowing down ahead of the new Valorant season.

Speaking of its popularity, Valorant reached its highest viewership in 2024 with fans watching millions of hours in total. As you can see, Valorant is still growing. In this guide, we will highlight what’s to come in 2025 - key changes, the teams to watch this season, and a snippet of the schedule.

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Why our Valorant Champions Tour news guide is helpful

Riot Games hosts VCT every year, as one of the premier esports games. In VCT, top teams from around the world compete at the global championships. But in 2025, we are set to experience brand-new formats and additional teams. All of this will help Valorant continue sitting at the top spot.

With all of these changes coming, we will outline exactly what you can expect right here. Without our guide, you will be in the dark about what’s to come. With our help, you can prepare for the ultimate Valorant betting and viewing experience.

🗓️ This is the Valorant Champions Tour 2025 schedule

Quick recap of Valorant 2024

Riot Games didn't sit still for long, as there were also changes made for the 2024 season. For example, there was more focus on regional events, taking the shine off international contests a little.

Fans enjoyed this update as it meant that the regional competitions created stronger rivalries. In turn, this boosted the overall viewership into millions of hours of watch time. The Grand Final alone had 832,000 Peak Viewers - setting a record for Valorant.

Furthermore, Riot Games also amended the rules to allow players the opportunity to advance. For example, Game Changers players were able to compete in Challengers and Premiere.

A detailed look at the changes for Valorant new season

Now we have had a look at the 2024 season, let’s draw our attention to the 2025 season. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to see this year.

Update to the Champions Points distribution system

Ahead of the 2025 season, the VCT is having a switch-up regarding its Champions Points system. This update will allow for points to be awarded more consistently. This is coming off the back of complaints received during the 2024 season, where teams were awarded zero points at international tournaments unless they were the overall winner.

In 2025, the teams who finish within the top four teams of Kickoff will be given Championship Points. This new and improved points system will make sure that teams can be awarded points more fairly.

✅ The Update to the Champions Points distribution system

New rules for Valorant tournament 2025

In previous years, non-partner VCT teams were given a two-year contract. However, in 2025, they will be given a one-year contract instead. Additionally, there’s a chance for the contracts to be extended depending on the team's performance.

There is also an update on how many teams can compete in each region. With Riot Games putting a maximum limit of 12 teams for each IL, only two non-partnered rosters can participate in each region.

Additional changes to the rules are as follows:

#️⃣ Final Position	✅ Action
9th - 12th place	Automatically invited back to the VCL
5th - 8th place	Must compete at Ascension
1st - 4th place	Term extension for next year

Based on the above rules, if both non-partner teams successfully qualify for the Champions, only the lower-seeded team will compete at Ascension.

☑️ Check out the teams for the Valorant new season

New teams for the Valorant new season

Before you prepare to visit your favorite Valorant betting site, you will want to hear all about the new teams. In the 2025 season, you will see 48 teams divided between four regions - EMEA, Pacific, China, and Americas. With the introduction of new promotions, you will find fresh talent and an expanded roster. Here’s a quick look at the new teams you are set to watch:

Team Vitality

In 2025, Nikita Sirmitev and Felipe de Loyola Basso will be joining Team Vitality. Nikita is a former Fnatic star, while Felipe is the 2022 Valorant Champions winner.

▶️ The Valorant Team Vitality

Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates

Both Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates have changed their rosters beyond recognition. Both teams have added players to boost their rankings. Karmine Corp has Dmitry Ilyushin and Matias Delipetro, who both have a wealth of experience in the VCT. It has not yet been announced who Gentle Mates have brought on.

▶️ Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates

The Valorant Champions Tour 2025 pros and cons

High stakes betting
Thrilling matches
Revised points system
Bigger events than ever

New rules to learn

Valorant Champions Tour 2025: Key events and schedule

Check out the upcoming schedule for the Valorant 2025 season:

1️⃣ Kickoff tournaments

The Kickoff tournaments will begin on 11 January 2025 and end on 9 February 2025. Each region will host a tournament of its own, with the final top two teams heading straight to Masters Bangkok. Kickoff will aim to establish the frontrunners of the competition while starting the points race.

2️⃣ International League Stage 1

The International League is the next stage of the competition and it will begin in Spring 2025. There are no set dates just yet, but these will vary according to each region. In this stage, the top three teams will progress to Masters Toronto.

3️⃣ Masters Toronto

Masters Toronto has yet to announce its dates, but you can expect it to be mid-2025. This stage of the competition will bring together the best teams from Stage 1 into the arena to go head-to-head.

4️⃣ International League Stage 2

The International League Stage 2 is set to begin in Summer 2025, with the precise dates soon to be announced. In this stage, the top two teams will go into the Stage 2 Playoffs with the two teams according to the championship points.

5️⃣ Champions Paris

Towards the end of 2025, Champions Paris will host the Grand Final of the entire season. This is where the top teams will go against each other for the title of ‘World Champion’.

Prepare for VCT 2025 with our Valorant news update

Are you ready for the Valorant 2025 season? Now you have come to the end of our guide, you are equipped with all the information you need. With 48 teams, 3 international events, and a rebuilt champions points system, this year is set to be huge.

Thanks to the expanded format this year, there’s a lot to stay tuned for. The season starts in January 2025 with 48 teams competing in events such as Masters Toronto, Masters Bangkok, and Champions Paris, where the tournament will reach its conclusion. If you want to stay up-to-date with all the latest news, be sure to keep checking back on this page for more announcements.