Riot Games has dropped some big updates for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA Ascension 2025, and it’s set to be the biggest one yet. The headline change? The tournament is expanding from six to eight teams, giving even more organisations a shot at breaking into the top level of VALORANT esports.
Hey folks,
I hope everyone is excited for the conclusion of VCT EMEA this weekend!
Ahead of the event, I wanted to jump on here to provide the EMEA community with some important updates about what’s coming up during the rest of the year for VALORANT esports in EMEA, kicking… pic.twitter.com/N4SXKelOAH
— Tomek (@GinTomek) August 30, 2025
This year’s Ascension event will run from 18–26 October in Berlin, hosted at the Riot Games Arena. With the expanded lineup, the tournament will also kick off a day earlier than originally planned. But the real spotlight is on the matches that will decide who earns promotion to VCT EMEA 2026. Instead of just one final, there will now be two best-of-five Ascension games, both played live on stage in front of fans.
A fresh format for Ascension
To fit in the two extra teams, Riot has scrapped the double elimination bracket and introduced a new format. The eight squads will be split into two seeded GSL-style groups, fighting for a place in the all-important qualification matches. The winners of those on-stage clashes will book their spot in the 2026 season, joining the likes of regional giants already locked into the partnered league.
This adjustment keeps the pressure high, since only two teams will still make it through despite the bigger field. For many Challenger teams, this is the one golden ticket into VALORANT’s tier-one ecosystem, making every map played in Berlin that much more intense.
The timing of the update is also no coincidence. With Challengers EMEA Stage 3 starting up soon, squads across the region are already eyeing the chance to prove themselves and chase the dream of promotion. Fans will no doubt be keeping a close watch, especially with recent relegations shaking up the landscape and creating openings for new contenders.
A quick note on Project Blender
Alongside the Ascension changes, Riot also confirmed a new addition to Project Blender, the off-season tournament designed to bring together talent from across EMEA.
The Blender Spotlight will take place on 3–4 November, featuring a €10,000 winner-takes-all prize pool. It’s another step towards the project’s big LAN finals in Paris this December.
Read more about Project Blender and how it’s changing the EMEA scene here.
Looking ahead
The expanded Ascension tournament is a strong signal that Riot wants to give more teams the chance to prove themselves at the highest level. Two qualification spots may not sound like much, but the new format promises even more high-stakes matches for fans to enjoy.
With VCT EMEA Ascension 2025 only weeks away, all eyes will be on Berlin to see which organisations can rise to the challenge and secure their place in next year’s VCT.