Riot Games Unveil VCT EMEA 2022 Roadmap And Game Changers Global
Just as Acend and Gambit Esports conquered the VALORANT regional arm-wrestle by becoming the top two teams in the world, with Acend taking the spoils, Riot Games has rolled out the VCT 2022 EMEA roadmap. With an adaptation to the pro circuit Masters events, to a brand-new Regional Leagues (VRL) and a Game Changers path to a global tournament, here's everything you need to know about the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA 2022 roadmap.
With a wealth of talent on display in the opening year of VALORANT Esports, Riot Games has looked to implement a pyramid eco-system "harnesses and celebrates" the unique EMEA region and "celebrates everyone" in the community from Amateurs, Professionals, and marginalised genders.
VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA 2022 Pyramid
VCT Roadmap Revealed - Two Stages And Champions From February To September
Unlike the year just gone, the global VALORANT Champions Tour will be a two-staged regional championship, with international Masters events topping them off before a Champions event. Whereas the 2021 season had three stages, including the first that was hindered to online play through the pandemic, the 2022 season will stick to two stages, albeit with a slight shift in points needed and qualification.
VALORANT Regional Leagues
Riot Games are also taking a leaf out of the League of Legends playbook by implementing regional leagues for the teams that fail to qualify for Challengers.
With eight leagues in total, this VRL is intended to give players in lesser-known regions a chance to shine in front of top-tier teams and make a name for themselves.
The regional leagues are as follows:
- France
- Spain
- Northern Europe
- MENA
- CIS
- Eastern Europe
- Dach
- Turkey
Click to enlargeVCT Game Changers Global Format
Alongside the VALORANT Champions Tour, in which all genders and players are encouraged to compete in, the VCT Game Changers series is set to return again. An event aimed at increasing the visibility of marginalised genders and allowing them to compete for big prizes, Game Changers is now set to host its first-ever international event.
Similar to the VCT tour, Game Changers will be a two-staged regional tournament where teams can qualify for Game Changers Global later in the year.
The VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA 2022 is set to kick off in January, less than a month after the VCT 2021 campaign had concluded, with Champions set to unfold in September.
