Riot Games announce format changes to VCT Ascension EMEA 2025

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 01/09/2025

Riot Games has unveiled significant format changes to the VCT Ascension EMEA 2025, including an expansion from six to eight Challengers teams.

The news was revealed on social media by Valorant Esports Product Manager Tomek Borowka, ahead of the VCT EMEA Stage 2 finals.

VCT Acension is a pivotal annual event for Valorant Challengers teams, offering the winner a one-year contract in the Valorant Champions Tour.

Promoted Ascension teams then either qualify for Valorant Champions or reach the regional VCT Stage 2 Playoffs to defend their tier-one rights at the next Ascension tournament.

What format changes have Riot Games announced for VCT Ascension EMEA 2025?

Confirming the format changes for VCT Ascension EMEA 2025, Borowka said: “I am excited to share that this year’s Ascension will now feature eight teams instead of six. And, given two teams will qualify for VCT EMEA next year, the spotlight will be on the matches that decide who secures a place in VCT EMEA 2026 – the Ascension games.

“Both Ascension game matches will be played live on stage in front of fans – so instead of one final, we’ll have two.”

Ascension 2025 will start one day earlier and now take place from October 18th to 26th.

 The event will feature two double-elimination (GSL) groups of four contestants, respectively, and all eight teams will compete at the Riot Games Arena.

The top two teams from each group will then advance to the Playoffs, which will include two best-of-five Ascension finals. Prior matches will be played as best-of-threes.

Which teams will compete at VCT Acension EMEA 2025?

BBL PCIFIC, Enterprise Esports, Twisted Minds and Team RA’AD are the four confirmed teams for VCT Ascension EMEA 2025.

The format changes mean that a further four teams can still qualify for the tournament via regional Ascension Points or by winning Challengers EMEA Stage 3.

Valorant Challengers EMEA Stage 3 gets underway today and will run until Friday, September 5th.

VCT Paris teams announced

The winner of VCT Ascension EMEA 2025 will get a one-year contract in the Valorant Champions Tour.

It has now been revealed the complete list of 16 teams that will take part at VCT Paris.

Team Liquid, Fnatic and GIANTX are among the teams that will compete at VCT Champions Paris, which begins on Friday, September 12th.

After their excellent performance at VCT Toronto, Fnatic will be one of the favourites with Valorant betting sites at VCT Paris.

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Kieran Lynch is an esports journalist who writes about several games including EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty, Rainbox Six Siege, and more. He previously worked as a sports journalist for MailOnline.

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