Riot Games has revealed the key factors behind its selection of 32 organizations for the 2027 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) partnership program. More than 100 organizations from across the world applied, but only eight teams from each of the four regions, Americas, EMEA, Pacific, and China secured a place in the new program.
While competitive performance remained an important consideration, Riot emphasized that securing a partnership required more than winning tournaments. The publisher also looked for organizations capable of building lasting relationships with fans, developing sustainable businesses, and contributing to the continued growth of the VALORANT esports ecosystem.
Riot Evaluated VCT Applicants Across Five Key Areas
The selection process focused on five main criteria: commitment to community growth, fan engagement and content creation, business sustainability, operational excellence, and competitive performance.
Riot assessed how each organization planned to contribute to the wider VALORANT community, including its ability to establish a recognizable identity and create content that resonates with supporters. The publisher also considered financial responsibility, organizational infrastructure, and the potential for long-term development.
Competitive results remained part of the evaluation, but they were not the sole deciding factor. Riot wanted partners with the ability to build loyal fanbases, strengthen regional communities, and deliver engaging experiences beyond match days.
The application process began earlier in 2026, when interested organizations submitted proposals outlining their ambitions and what they could bring to the VCT ecosystem. Riot subsequently evaluated those plans to determine which teams best aligned with the league’s long-term objectives.
What VCT Partnership Offers in 2027
The new partnership program will operate in renewable two-year cycles, providing selected organizations with annual financial support and opportunities to generate additional revenue through in-game digital items.
These opportunities include Team Capsules, Season Capsules, and the Championship bundle, connecting supporters with their favorite organizations while helping teams benefit financially from the game’s ecosystem.
Partner organizations will also receive a competitive advantage at the beginning of the 2027 season. All 32 selected teams will qualify directly for VCT Kickoff, giving them an established starting point in the new competitive campaign. After Kickoff, however, partner teams will need to compete against organizations advancing through Open Qualifiers.
The structure is designed to provide partners with financial stability and an initial competitive opportunity without removing the need to perform throughout the season.
Long-Term Growth Remains a Priority for VCT
Riot’s selection criteria highlight the increasing importance of community engagement and business sustainability in professional esports. Organizations must balance competitive ambitions with the ability to maintain an audience, produce engaging content, and operate responsibly over time.
The challenges facing the wider esports industry have made these considerations particularly important. A recognizable brand and strong competitive history can help an organization stand out, but long-term success also depends on building a sustainable relationship with fans.
With 32 organizations selected for the 2027 partnership program, Riot is setting the foundation for the next phase of the VALORANT esports ecosystem. How these teams perform both inside and outside the server will help determine the success of the renewed partnership structure.
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