Riot Games has unveiled a new and improved Valorant VCT schedule for the Champions Tour (VCT). The previous schedule faced significant criticism, but the latest adjustments bring much-needed changes. These updates promise to create a more balanced and engaging experience for both players and fans. Below are the key highlights of the revamped VCT schedule.
Introduction of 12 Teams Per League
The VCT will continue with 12 teams in each league, a format that provides consistency and balance for the competition. This structure remains unchanged and is expected to persist as long as the VCT operates.
The kickoff tournament marks the start of the season in mid-January, an earlier beginning compared to previous years. This adjustment shortens the offseason and allows the season to extend further into the year, ending in October. These changes ensure better pacing and provide more opportunities for teams to recover between events.
International Tournament Dates and Format
The international tournaments in the updated Valorant VCT schedule include:
- Masters Bangkok: February 20 – March 2
- Masters Toronto: June 7 – June 22
- Champs Paris: September 12 – October
The tournament formats remain consistent with previous years:
- Masters Bangkok follows an eight-team Swiss format, progressing to a four-team double-elimination bracket.
- Masters Toronto mirrors the structure of Shanghai, with top teams from the play stage receiving a bye and advancing to an eight-team Swiss bracket followed by double elimination.
- Champions Paris maintains its format of four groups of four teams advancing to an eight-team double-elimination bracket.
These formats retain familiar structures while allowing teams to adapt to the competition.
Enhanced Championship Points System (New Valorant VCT Schedule)
The championship points system has undergone significant changes. Previously, only winners of major events earned points. Now, points are distributed more equitably:
- Winners: Receive the highest points for each event.
- Top Finishers: Teams finishing second, third, and fourth also earn points, reflecting their strong performances.
For example, stage one playoffs award fewer points than stage two playoffs, emphasizing the increasing importance of later events. Teams are now incentivized to perform well throughout the season.
New Group Stage Format
The league format has shifted away from a full round-robin structure. Each stage now divides teams into two groups of six, competing in a round-robin format within their group. The top four teams from each group advance to the playoffs. Groups will reshuffle for stage two, creating balanced matchups.
This new structure may result in teams not facing all other league members during the season. The change adds unpredictability and ensures diverse matchups.
Playoffs now include eight teams, with double-elimination brackets providing extended opportunities for underdog runs. Top teams from each group receive byes to the second round, while lower-ranked teams must navigate the lower bracket.
Strategic Gaps Between Events
One major improvement in the VCT schedule is the inclusion of longer gaps between stages and tournaments. This allows teams more recovery time, especially after deep international runs.
For instance:
- Between Masters Toronto and playoffs, there is a three-week break.
- Significant gaps also occur between stage one and stage two.
These breaks not only reduce burnout but also open possibilities for mid-season roster changes. Teams may adjust lineups during these intervals, especially if stage two holds greater importance for Championship qualification.
The Path Forward for VCT
The revamped schedule represents a positive step for Valorant esports. The introduction of meaningful gaps, restructured formats, and equitable point distribution ensures fairness and competitiveness. These adjustments address previous criticisms and set a solid foundation for future seasons.
