Esports BOSH: Riot Games is teaming up with Big John to create a London esports pub for VCT Masters London

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 17/06/2026

Riot Games announced it is working to open an esports pub in East London this weekend as part of Valorant Masters London’s Fan Fest.

The venue will be called The Phoenix Arms and be located in Hackney, East London. The pub is getting a boshful makeover, with Big John running the gaffe. Riot and Big John aim to recreate the feel of a traditional British matchday pub for esports fans.

There will be bunting, flags, themed memorabilia, custom pub signage, and live match screenings of the Masters London finals. You know, all you’d expect from a British boozer during a big sporting tournament.

It’s free entry all weekend, and sits alongside a wider Fan Fest at Hackney Bridge featuring live podcasts, creator appearances, team activations, an Artist Alley, and an open-air watch party throughout finals weekend.

The tournament itself has been running since June 6th and wraps up on June 21st, marking the first time an international Valorant tournament has been held in the UK. Finals weekend is sold out at the Copper Box Arena, though millions more are expected to tune in via Valorant’s Twitch and YouTube channels.

It’s part of the fan-fare work that Riot has put into the British scene during Valorant Masters. It ran a story with Notion, which we commented on earlier in the week, highlighting the unique arts and culture of its Valorant scene.

As for the event itself , there are only four teams standing. EDG will meet Paper Rex, while Vitality will meet Leviathan. The first matchup sees the two seeded playoff teams go head-to-head, with the two remaining Swiss stage teams also scrapping it out before sending a team to the finals on Sunday.

In terms of the local crowd allegiance, the chances are Vitality will be fan-favourite. This is predominantly owing to the fact they’re the only remaining EU representatives after FUT and Heretics were eliminated. Other teams hail from South America, China and Pacific nations, making this a truly global final and a great representation of the state of Valorant’s esports ecosystem as a whole.

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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