Riot Games Expands Women-Only VCT Game Changers Programme To EMEA
Following the success of the VALORANT Champions Tour Game Changers programme in North America, Riot Games has announced that the women-exclusive series will be coming to EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) this year.
The VCT Game Changers programme is a female-only spin on the Champions Tour, allowing women's teams to compete for large prize pools and push themselves to become the best team in the world.
So far, in North America, the two series have seen Cloud9 White excel to take home both championships, whilst the likes of Counter Logic Gaming Red and Dignitas Female have put on immortal displays.
Now, Riot will be bringing the series to EMEA, with a string of series announced for this autumn.
The first of the EMEA VCT Game Changers series will kick off on September 27, three days before the third of its kind in NA. Two further series are announced for October 25 - 31, and November 15 - 21 of this year.
Women looking to compete in the VCT Game Changers must be at least Platinum 1 ranked in either this Act or the previous act. There will be a pool of 64 teams that will make the latter stages of the competitions through open qualifiers.
The second EMEA competition will also open its doors to co-ed teams, as long as they consist of at least three women.
With a total prize pool of $20,000 in the first two events and a final sum of $50,000 being on offer in November, Riot is hoping women will see this as an opportunity to climb the ladder and see the series as the beginning of a career for aspiring players.
Alexandra LePlante, Event Manager for Riot Games, said, "We’re very excited to announce the expansion of VCT Game Changers to the EMEA region, and we’re proud of how this initiative has helped create a competitive ecosystem that is more representative of the diverse VALORANT community."
Vera Wienken, Riot Games' Brand Manager and leader of the VCT Game Changers EMEA initiative, added, "Right now, the esports industry is suffering from a severe lack of female representation at pro level. If we want to inspire more women to pursue their esports dreams, we need to take direct action to make these games more accessible and create a level playing field for them to enter in years to come. We want VCT Game Changers EMEA to be that stepping stone for women."
Women players looking to compete in the largest female VALORANT event to date will be able to sign up through Riot's website.