VCT Challengers 2024: An improved ecosystem for Tier 2 development

Not too long ago, Riot Games unveiled their plans for VCT 2024, with the introduction of a new International league in VCT China. While the plans for VCT 2024 did not address the scheduling criticism for VCT 2023, it did include a safeguard for players to ensure they aren’t left without a team if dropped by a partnered organization.

The VCT 2024 also gave a sneak peek into “Two-way players”, which wasn't clearly defined earlier. Earlier today, Riot unveiled the plans for VCT Challengers 2024, which introduces multiple changes to the challenger circuit and sets the ground for the 2025 season. Let’s take a look at all the major changes.

Year-Round Competition

VCT Challengers 2024 calender ensuring year-round competion (credits: Riot Games)

One of the biggest criticisms for the VCT 2024 challengers concluded in early June and the Challenger teams had no official games until next year. This changes with VCL 2024, While the year still starts in February 2024 and concludes September 2024, the VCL 2025 will kick off October 2025, giving the Tier 2 teams year-round competition.

Integration of Valorant Premier

VCT Challengers 2024 with integration of multiple levels of competition (credits: Riot Games)

Another major change to the VCT 2024 Challengers is definitely the integration of Premier teams into Challengers tournament. After the Open Qualifier VCL Split 1, the top premier teams will battle the Challenger teams in the Promotion/Relegation tournament.

The premier teams here have a chance to qualify for the Challengers tournament, and eventually to Ascension via the second split of the regional VCL tournaments. This initiative from Riot definitely showcases their commitment to developing talent.

The inclusion of Premier teams also allows for a better transition for F/A teams into the challenger circuits, additionally, the Premier promotion tournament will act as a talent showcase for unrecognized raw talent.

Introduction of Affiliate Partnerships

The final sets of major changes include the introduction of affiliate partnerships. These partnerships allow International League teams to build partnerships with Challengers and Game Changers teams.

These partner teams can collaborate not only via content but commercially too. These partnerships are region-locked for Challengers team but not in case of Game Changers team.

The partnerships will allow for “Two-way players”. A two-way player is an International League team player that can play down in an affiliate team.

Additionally, the changes also mentions player loans which aren’t don't necessarily need to be from partner teams. These loaned players cannot play as two-way players until the loan contract expires.

These changes are steps in the right direction. VCT Challengers 2024 and the following 2025 challengers definitely will make Valorant Esports a better place for the upcoming generation of professionals.

Featured Image Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Esports

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VCT 2024: New format, new locations, new qualification and a new International league.

Riot unveils sweeping changes to 2024 VCT transfer rules.

Path to Pro: Valorant announces Premier, a new 5v5 competitive mode.