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VCT EMEA Introduces ‘Studio Stage’ Ahead of Stage 2
A long-requested schedule update is finally coming to VCT EMEA for Stage 2 later in July. As part of the schedule expansion plans later this year, VCT EMEA has announced the inclusion of weekend matches for the rest of the year.
According to the press release, this is part of their effort to further optimize the fan experience in anticipation of the increased number of teams set to attend.
Adjusting the Schedule for Stage 2
Since the inception of the Riot Games Arena in Berlin back in 2023, the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) and VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA have shared a singular stage. This was accomplished through a combination of schedule concessions and a specially designed facility that could transform — in a heartbeat — between the two titles’ stages.
Over the course of the two leagues' coexistence, friction points emerged with regard to the scheduling. At the time of the facility’s conception, the LEC was the primary Riot Games focal point in Europe and by far the bigger of the two leagues. Hence, the LEC took prime viewing hours, featuring across the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, as well as extending into Monday.
By contrast, VCT EMEA was a fledgling and took Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as their broadcast days. This has led to challenges with regard to not just filling seats with live audiences on work nights but has also impacted viewership numbers undoubtedly.
With the announcement in December last year that EMEA Challenger teams would be receiving a path directly through VCT EMEA to Champions in Stage 2 2026, VCT EMEA, in the first half of the year, has moved into preparation. Firstly, the schedule will be expanded to include more days, stretching into the weekend, starting Stage 2.
Furthermore, in anticipation of the increased quantity of matches, with the Challenger teams also taking to the stage alongside the 12 Partner Teams, VCT EMEA has built a second stage: the Studio Stage.
The Studio Stage: Berlin’s Second Spotlight
The original Riot Games Arena in Berlin consisted of one primary stage. On it, both LEC and VCT EMEA professionals battled it out week after week. It was also the centerpiece during EMEA Ascension tournaments in prior years.
In anticipation of Stage 2, a second arena, the Studio Stage, has now been built. With it, the LEC and VCT EMEA will be allowed to run concurrently. The key difference between the two is that the Studio Stage was built as a broadcast-first environment, meaning tickets will not be available for matches held there. Fans will still be able to purchase and attend matches live in the original stage, now named the Arena Stage.
With regards to schedule expectations for Stage 2, it will begin with broadcast-only in the Studio Stage. One week of Playoffs will then be moved to the Arena Stage, with the Grand Finals still taking place in Barcelona as announced earlier.
VCT EMEA Stage 2 Brings Challengers and Partners Together
While we await the incredible transformation that will be VCT 2027, Stage 2 offers us the beginning glimpses of what will be in store next year. For those who missed the original announcement, 4 EMEA Challenger teams will join the existing 12 Partner teams for Stage 2 in a three-stage brawl.
With a clear path to Champions Shanghai for teams who can make it all the way, the experience ahead of the open circuit next year will be invaluable, so stay tuned!
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Featured Image Credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games
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