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Riot Games has announced a number of new initiatives for its Valorant esports league and ecosystem. The creators will establish three international leagues and solicit proposals for long-term team partners for Valorant’s new esports league, beginning in 2023.
Participants from Europe, Asia, and the Americas will contest in the three international leagues on LAN and in front of live spectators. Teams playing in the ‘week-over-week’ contests will be eligible for two Masters rounds and the Valorant Champions match.
Along with the international teams, the Riot will expand its existing Challengers and Game Changers franchises. The establishment of new national teams is also projected to increase opportunities for emerging talent aspiring to play in international leagues.
Press reports have stated that these leagues will also be incorporated into a new in-game option aimed to find the top-notch Valorant gamers from across the globe.
President of Esports at Riot Games, John Needham commented about the new elements to be added. He stated that these initiatives will propel Valorant to a new level of growth as they look to thrill and engage fans.
“Together, all these elements will contribute to a competitive ecosystem that will position VALORANT for its next stage of growth. We want to build the top level of competition that will provide more exciting matches, new events that will thrill live audiences, and engaging experiences for millions of online fans.”
Riot Games will waive admission and participation fees for players who meet the requirements to become affiliates of the Valorant esports circuit as part of its partnership programme. Plus, qualified players will be eligible to work as a team on in-game activations and to ‘distribute esports branded material.’
Riot Games is debuting a new model for 2023 as Valorant esports continues to grow. This is the next step in ensuring the title’s long-term success. It will be interesting to watch which teams become partners with the creator.
Whalen Rozelle, Head of Esports Operations at Riot Games, spoke about the changes to be made. He emphatically stated that the intent is to build the most thrilling esport and the most exciting teams within the space. He went on to share that the new model will see teams thrive and build their businesses.
“With Valorant, we want to build today’s most thrilling esport alongside the most well-managed, ambitious, and exciting teams in the industry. We have designed our long-term partnership model for Valorant so teams can thrive and build their business alongside the overall growth of Valorant Esports.”
Presently, the 2022 schedule offers a tier-based esports structure, with a handful of Challengers serving as qualifiers for Masters and Champions tournaments.
History: Riot Games
Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill founded Riot Game in 2006. Its goal is to assist and develop players by creating, developing, and distributing the largest and best games available.
League of Legends, the organization’s initial title, was released in 2009 and has since grown to be the most popular PC game in history, serving as a catalyst for the rapid growth of the eSports industry. The company employs over 3,000 ‘Rioters’ in over 20 locations worldwide.
As League of Legends enters its second decade, Riot strives to develop the game while also offering new experiences for the community via Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends: Wild Rift, VALORANT, Legends of Runeterra, and a slew of additional titles in development.
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