Valorant makes changes to its Challengers League, Premier, and Ascension for VCT 2025

Valorant's franchised league has been among the more successful ones in the esports industry. This is because both its tier one and tier two scenes have a chance to merge and somewhat intersect through its carefully constructed Ascension system. VCT 2024 serves as proof that the tier two scene deserves attention, considering former Challengers League pros like N4RRATE and JohnQT have found massive success at the highest level of the competition.

However, after its “path to pro” system received some criticism, Riot Games decided to implement changes to make things a little more competitive and interesting. This article offers a detailed look at all the changes coming to the Challenges League, Premier, and Ascension for VCT 2025.

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Valorant's many changes in Challengers League, Premier, and Ascension for VCT 2025

The biggest change implemented by Valorant for VCT 2025 involves its Ascension system. Till now, tier two teams were required to compete through their regional Challengers League and qualify for the Ascension event. Here, the team that wins Ascension would directly get promoted to their regional franchised league for a term of two years.

The Guard winning VCT Ascension Americas in 2023 (Image via Riot Games)

This system will change going into the 2025 season. While getting into Ascension is similar, promoted teams will only be partnered in the franchised league for one year. However, they can extend this term based on their performance.

If an Ascension team qualifies for Valorant Champions, their term will be extended by another year. If two Ascension teams make it to the event, the better-performing team holds its place, while the other team will have to compete again in Ascension for the spot.

The performance-based criteria for Ascension teams in VCT 2025 (Image via Riot Games)

If an Ascension team finishes in the top eight of the international league, they will have to play against other Challengers teams in the Ascension event to earn their spot again. But if they don't make it to the Stage 2 Playoffs, they will be relegated to the Challengers League.

For Premier, Episode 9 Act 1 will see the introduction of the Invite Division. This will help directly promote teams in the Challengers League. Teams from the Premier system will be promoted to the Challengers League with every two Acts.

The recent promotion of nine Premier teams to the Challengers League via Premier showed how seamless and accessible the in-game tournament mode has been for its players.

Valorant's esports system has also been making several changes to its Challengers League and the Game Changers ecosystem. While these changes have received some criticism, only time will tell if they lead to better results.

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