VALORANT Mobile has only just launched in China, but Riot is wasting no time getting its esports scene rolling. The publisher has revealed the game’s very first national competition, and it’s coming in big, with a massive ¥3 million (~$418,000) prize pool on the line.

VALORANT MOBILE FIRST-EVER CHINA NATIONAL SERIES

“$400,000 PRIZE POOL”

The National Competition is China’s all-national series, “Alpha Split” starts next month with 6M CNY split into half for each game, so each game has $400K~

🧵Let’s dive into details for VALM Side. pic.twitter.com/SAVCA2Yxa1

— hesketh2 (@subzidite2) August 25, 2025

The competition is being called Alpha Split, and it’s set to run across both PC and mobile. While the PC version already has a “Pro Teams” track, the mobile side is kicking off a little differently with four unique pathways into the finals:

• National – an in-game qualifier that anyone can join.
• College – aimed at university and school-level competition.
• Streaming Platform – a fight to see which streaming giant reigns supreme, featuring Bilibili, TikTok, Huya Live, Douyu, and Kuaishou. There’s also $140,000 USD up for grabs here alone.
• Cooperation (Co-op) – tied to the OnePlus VALORANT Mobile tournament announced earlier this year.

Riot is also making it easier for players to get involved with an in-game Esports Centre. This will let players jump into qualifiers with a simple “1-click” entry, which should make signing up for the National track straightforward.

Each pathway will run qualifiers between late August and November, with one champion from each moving on to the National Finals. Those finals are scheduled for December and will feature just four teams representing each path.

And here’s the wild part: the finals are taking place at the Aranya Grand Masters Skateboard Festival. Yes, you read that right, VALORANT Mobile esports is sharing the stage with a skateboarding competition. Both PC and Mobile finals will be hosted at the event, making it a cross-scene celebration of competitive play.

This national-level tournament comes only weeks after VALORANT Mobile officially dropped in China, signalling Riot’s serious commitment to the mobile esports space. In fact, the company has confirmed it will invest 1.5 billion RMB (~$200m) into VALORANT Mobile esports over the next three years to really build up the scene.

The launch numbers already point to strong momentum too. On its first day alone, VALORANT Mobile raked in more than $1m in iOS revenue from in-app purchases, showing that the appetite for the game is already huge in China.

With Riot pushing this kind of infrastructure, and a prize pool of this scale right out the gate, it looks like VALORANT Mobile is about to carve out its own big moment in esports, skateboard ramps and all.

The post Riot Reveals VALORANT Mobile’s First National Series in China With $418K Prize Pool appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games is taking the next exciting step in their mission to bring the most prestigious VALORANT event to every continent by just announcing to host the Champions 2026 in Shanghai.

Champions 2026 is headed to Shanghai!

This marks the next milestone in our journey to bring VALORANT’s biggest event to the heart of each major region.

Read more: https://t.co/0oCbjfx79d pic.twitter.com/02borbgDGu

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 1, 2025

Riot Games knew they had to make a comeback after the thrilling Masters Shanghai 2024, which drew record-breaking viewers and a crowded Mercedes-Benz Arena. It is evident that Shanghai is prepared to host the largest event on the VCT calendar because of the excitement from that event.

A Global Journey Leading to Shanghai

VALORANT Champions 2026 is part of Riot Games’ ambitious global rotation, aiming to celebrate each region’s passion for VALORANT while spotlighting the best of competitive gaming. Here’s what the global tour looks like leading up to Shanghai:

• 2024: Seoul, Korea
• 2025: Paris, France 
• 2026: Shanghai, China 
• 2027: Americas 

The Heart of VALORANT in China

Shanghai will be the pinnacle of an amazing adventure rather than merely a stop on the globe tour. The development of VALORANT esport in China has been significantly influenced by the city. The region is more than ready for its moment in the spotlight, as demonstrated by Edward Gaming’s global championship win and the debut of VCT China last year.

Image Credit: Riot Games

At Champions 2026, the VCT CN supporters will once again be on display as they support Wolves and Edward Gaming, two local superstars. With their activations lighting up city streets and packing venues, these fans have contributed to VALORANT’s success.

Expect the Highest Level of Competition

Champions 2026 will have it all, whether you’re watching for the thrilling games or the spectacular moments.

However, this tournament is about more than just the gameplay, it’s also about honoring the international community that has contributed to its success. As supporters from all walks of life come together to see history being made, Shanghai will turn into a vibrant celebration of the game.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Riot Games has already teased Champions 2027 in the Americas. With more chances for Tier 2 teams and a wider variety of tournaments held worldwide, this news paves the way for significant changes in the competitive scene.

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