VCT 2023 explained

On September 14th, 2022, Riot Games announced what the competitive Valorant scene will look like next year and beyond. Here's everything you need to know.

Global Events

As in past years, Valorant will again feature an international Masters tournament in May to June and then Champions starting in August. On December 24th, it was announced that Tokyo, Japan would be the host city for Masters 2023.

International Leagues

Starting off the 2023 season is an international kick-off tournament in São Paulo, Brazil, which will feature all 30 of the partnered teams. This tournament will replace the usual first split, which will resume for next year. The next international league split will take place around April, with the Last Chance Qualifier for Champions in July.

The EMEA league will take place in Berlin, Germany and will feature KOI, Karmine Corp, Fnatic, Team Vitality, Natus Vincere, Team Liquid, Heretics, BBL Esports, Giants, and FUT Esports.

The Americas league will take place in Los Angelos, California and will feature Cloud9, Sentinels, NRG, KRÜ, Leviatán, LOUD, FURIA, MIBR, 100T, and Evil Geniuses.

The Pacific league will take place in Seoul, South Korea and will feature ZETA DIVISION, DetonatioN Gaming, Gen.G, T1, DRX, Team Secret, Paper Rex, Rex Regum Qeon, Talon Esports, and Global Esports.

Challenger Leagues

2023 brings brand new Tier 2 competition called Challenger Leagues. There are more than 20 leagues spanning the three big regions. The winner of each VCL (Valorant Challenger League) will qualify for its region's Ascension tournament. The winner of the Ascension tournament in each region (Americas, EMEA, and Pacific) will qualify for their respective International League for two years.

Valorant has also since added individual leagues for both Italy and Portugal.

In-game Competitive Mode

Valorant also announced a brand-new tournament mode called Premier, which will allow players to build a full team together and join a division, where they can compete in weekly matches and tournaments. Each season will last a few weeks, and if you play well, your team may qualify into the end-of-season tournament to battle for the title of Division Champion. Premier is currently in Alpha testing for select regions.

Stay tuned to @ValorantTracker on Twitter for full Valorant esports coverage.