Leo Faria dismisses rumors of Early VCT Partnership Re-evaluation
As the off-season for the VALORANT Champions Tour progresses, the esports community has been abuzz with speculation about the future of certain teams in the competitive scene.
Recently, rumors surfaced regarding the potential reevaluation of partnership slots for specific teams after the 2025 season. These rumors have prompted a response from the Global Head of Valorant Esports, Leo Faria, who has moved quickly to clarify the situation.
Rumors and Denials of Re-evaluation of VCT Teams
As the VALORANT community gears up for the Ascension tournaments, which will determine the next set of teams to join the top regional leagues, a cloud of speculation has emerged regarding the status of certain VCT teams.
According to Tanmay, a known VCT insider, there have been discussions about MIBR and Global Esports potentially having their partnership slots reevaluated after the 2025 season. Additionally, it was suggested that other teams might also face similar scrutiny.
In response to the growing speculation, Leo Faria, the Global Head of Valorant Esports, publicly addressed the rumors. Faria firmly denied the claims that certain teams' partnership statuses were under reevaluation, stating,
"The speculation that we're currently reevaluating certain teams' partnership status in the VCT is false. We do a performance review of every team at the end of each season, and will reevaluate all teams ahead of the new partnership cycle starting in 2027."
The VCT Partnership Structure and Future Evaluations
The structure of the VCT partnership agreements is clear. The initial 30 teams in the Americas, Pacific, and EMEA regions signed four-year contracts, securing their positions in the leagues until the end of the 2026 season.
According to Faria, Riot Games will conduct a performance review of each team at the conclusion of every season. Thus assessing their overall success and impact within the league. However, any reevaluation of partnership slots will not occur until the end of the current partnership cycle, which is slated to end in 2026.
While current partnered teams are secure in their positions until 2026, Faria hinted at what lies ahead for organizations aspiring to join the VCT. He emphasized that when the time comes to reconsider partnerships, organizations competing in the Challengers circuit will be "first in line" for consideration for a partnership slot. This offers a glimmer of hope to those outside the current partnerships. Suggesting that strong performance in the Challengers league could lead to a coveted spot in the VCT.
For now, partnered teams can rest assured that their slots are secure until the end of the 2026 season. The only immediate concern for these organizations is the annual performance review conducted by Riot Games. Which will play a crucial role in determining their standing within the league.
There's still plenty of VALORANT action ahead in the OFF//SEASON. So, check in with Strafe to catch all of the latest VALORANT news.
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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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