Apeks Becomes the First Ascended Team to be Relegated from the VCT

Apeks has become the first team to rise from Ascension to fall back out after a single season. Following a year marked by high hopes, hard lessons, and a relentless string of defeats, the Norwegian squad’s rapid relegation signals both the unforgiving nature of top-tier competition and the uncertainties built into Riot Games’ evolving league format.

Apeks’ Challenging Venture into the VCT EMEA League

Apeks made a significant leap in 2024 by winning the EMEA Ascension, securing their place in the VCT EMEA 2025 League. The Norwegian team, featuring promising talents like Erik “penny” Penny and Ava “florescent” Eugene, arrived with high hopes after a strong performance in the Challengers North circuit.

However, their transition to the top level proved tough. Apeks struggled to build team synergy despite several roster changes, including the departure of florescent in April. These setbacks contributed to an unfortunate run of eleven consecutive losses throughout the season. The team’s hopes were dashed on August 6, 2025, following a narrow 1-2 defeat to KOI, confirming their elimination from the top tier after just one season.

Understanding VCT Relegation

Riot Games’ new system requires Ascension teams to meet minimum competitive benchmarks to retain their place for the following season. For Apeks, that meant either qualifying for the Stage 2 playoffs or finishing in the top eight of the Championship Points leaderboard, both objectives that they fell short of.

Mathematically eliminated and with zero points to their name, Apeks became the first VCT Ascension team to be directly relegated, unable even to compete in the next Ascension tournament to reclaim their spot.

This relegation means Apeks will return to the Challengers League for the 2026 season, ending their brief tenure among the VCT’s best. Their experience highlights the pros and cons of Riot’s evolving partnership and promotion-relegation system and acts as a harsh reality check for ambitious Tier 2 teams.

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Featured Image Source: Michal Konkol/Riot Games

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