Riot Games has officially unveiled the VALORANT Masters Santiago Skirmish Series, a brand-new on-site competitive experience that gives fans the chance to compete during Masters Santiago.

https://t.co/nDoK9XPEje

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) February 18, 2026

Announced across VALORANT Esports’ social channels, the Skirmish Series will allow attendees to battle it out in live 1v1 tournaments, with the best players earning a shot at playing on the VALORANT Champions Tour stage itself.

It is a rare move for a global esports event, turning spectators into competitors and putting local talent right in the middle of the action.

How The Masters Santiago Skirmish Series Works

The Santiago Skirmish Series will run across select competition days during Masters Santiago, offering four single-elimination 1v1 tournaments per day. Each tournament will feature 16 players, meaning 64 unique competitors can take part daily.

The format is simple and fast-paced. It is 1v1, best of one, single elimination. Blink and you could be out.

The winner of each qualifier tournament earns prizing, two tickets to Saturday, March 14, and a place in the Final Tournament. Across the four qualifier days, 16 players will qualify in total.

Those 16 will then join creators and other invited competitors in a 32-player double-elimination Final Tournament. The final matches are scheduled to be played on the VCT stage after the Masters matches conclude on March 14, placing local players directly under the global spotlight.

Notably, Riot Games has not yet revealed which influencers or special guests will take part in the final bracket.

Competition Dates And Daily Schedule

Qualifiers will take place on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 4
• Friday, March 6
• Monday, March 9
• Friday, March 13

For the March 4, 6, and 9 qualifiers, registration runs from 1:30pm to 2:30pm, followed by bracket creation and player alerts at 3:00pm. The four tournaments then roll out in tight succession from 3:45pm through to 5:15pm, each with dedicated check-in times.

On March 13, the schedule shifts slightly earlier. Registration runs from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, with tournaments beginning at 2:45pm and wrapping up after the fourth bracket at 4:15pm.

The Final Tournament on March 14 begins with check-in from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, kicks off at 1:15pm, and is expected to conclude around 6:00pm. The exact timing of the show match and grand finals will depend on when the official Masters matches wrap up.

All tournament communication, including bracket updates and match times, will be handled via Discord on-site.

Built For The Santiago Community

Riot Games says the Skirmish Series is designed to celebrate the local community. Masters events travel the world, but this initiative aims to ensure the host city feels like more than just a backdrop.

Instead of only watching the world’s best compete, Santiago attendees can test themselves in the same arena. Riot also confirmed that entry spots will be limited and that formats or participant numbers may evolve depending on demand to ensure a smooth on-site experience.

The publisher described the goal as creating something exciting to watch, meaningful to play in, and welcoming to top local players.

Riot’s Growing Focus On Fan Engagement

The Skirmish Series continues Riot Games’ trend of blending competition with community engagement. Masters Santiago will not just be about pro teams battling for international glory, it will also feature everyday players stepping into the spotlight.

Alongside the return of Pick’Ems and other interactive initiatives, the Skirmish Series highlights how VALORANT esports is being positioned as more than a spectator product.

If the Masters Santiago Skirmish Series proves successful, it would not be surprising to see similar 1v1 activations rolled out at future VALORANT Champions Tour events.

For now, though, Santiago locals have a rare opportunity. From open competition to the VCT stage, the path from fan to featured competitor has never been this direct.

The post VALORANT Masters Santiago Skirmish Series Lets Fans Compete On The VCT Stage appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Tyson “TenZ” Ngo has officially pulled back the curtain on the finalists for the TenZ VALORANT Community Awards, and the list reads like a snapshot of everything that defined the 2025 season. With players and coaches themselves deciding who makes the cut, these awards carry a kind of weight that goes beyond numbers on a broadcast or popularity on social media. It is about respect earned inside the server, and that is exactly why this reveal matters.

I’m excited to announce the finalists of the TenZ VALORANT Community Awards, starting with VCT!

Players & coaches ranked their top 5 per category using a point system. Top 3 are finalists.

Winners will be revealed during our live ceremony on February 4th, 9pm PST#TenZVALAwards pic.twitter.com/uTaRF1Ce0J

— TenZ (@TenZOfficial) January 26, 2026

After weeks of quiet build up, the confirmed finalists now set the stage for a live ceremony on February 4, shaping up to be one of the most genuinely community driven VALORANT events to date.

A Peer Voted Celebration Of Competitive Excellence

What separates the TenZ VALORANT Community Awards from most esports shows is how the winners are chosen. Players and coaches rank their top five candidates in each category, using a points based system that rewards consistent respect across the scene. Only the top three in each category advance as finalists, which gives every nomination real credibility.

VCT Finalists Reflect A Season Of Dominance

The VCT categories feel like a highlight reel from 2025. Fnatic and NRG appear across multiple roles, reflecting deep tournament runs and season long consistency. The familiar rivalry between Jake “Boaster” Howlett and Ethan “Ethan” Arnold also returns, with both once again shortlisted for IGL of the Year.

TenZ VALORANT Community Awards – VCT Finalists

Initiator Of The Year

• Austin “crashies” Roberts
• Trent “trent” Cairns
• Brock “brawk” Somerhalder

Sentinel Of The Year

• Logan “skuba” Jenkins
• Nathan “leaf” Orf
• Emir Ali “Alfajer” Beder

Controller Of The Year

• Jacob “valyn” Batio
• Sam “s0m” Oh
• Kim “MaKo” Myeong Gwan

Duelist Of The Year

• Erick “aspas” Santos
• Adam “mada” Pampuch
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski

Coach Of The Year

• Milan “Milan” de Meij, Fnatic
• Alexandre “alecks” Sallé, Paper Rex
• Malkolm “bonkar” Rench, NRG

Rookie Of The Year

• Adam “mada” Pampuch
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Brock “brawk” Somerhalder

IGL Of The Year

• Jake “Boaster” Howlett
• Ethan “Ethan” Arnold
• Jacob “valyn” Batio

NRG’s strong presence across the Americas categories reflects their VALORANT Champions 2025 triumph, while Fnatic’s repeated EMEA nominations underline their ongoing grip on Europe. In the Pacific, Paper Rex once again proves its explosive style remains impossible to ignore.

Regional And Global MVP Finalists

The MVP categories highlight just how wide the talent pool has become across regions, with familiar stars and rising names all in contention.

VCT Americas MVP

• Ethan “Ethan” Arnold
• Adam “mada” Pampuc
• Erick “aspas” Santos

VCT China MVP

• Zheng “zmjjkk” Yongkang
• Teng “happywei” Min wei
• Lin “SpiritZ1” Ting yu

VCT EMEA MVP

• Ayaz “nAts” Akhmetshin
• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Emir Ali “Alfajer” Beder

VCT Pacific MVP

• Ngô Công “crazyguy” Anh
• Ilya “something” Petrov
• Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto

VCT Global MVP

• Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski
• Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto
• Erick “aspas” Santos

Game Changers Finalists Showcase World Class Talent

The Game Changers categories are just as stacked. Heavy representation from Team Liquid Brazil, Shopify Rebellion Gold, and MIBR mirrors the podium from the Valorant Game Changers Championship 2025, making their presence feel fully earned rather than symbolic.

TenZ VALORANT Community Awards – Game Changers Finalists

Initiator Of The Year

• Natalia “daiki” Vilela
• Sarah “sarah” Simpson
• Melissa “mel” Millena

Controller Of The Year

• Letícia “joojina” Paiva
• Melanie “meL” Capone
• Aleyna “vania” Keskin

Sentinel Of The Year

• Nicole “noia” Tierce
• Safia “safiaa” Leghzal
• Amy “amy” Lai

Duelist Of The Year

• Nicolas “srN” Niederauer
• Azra “alkyia” Erin
• Karnthida “dodonut” Chaisrakeo

Coach Of The Year

• Caio “napz” Sousa, Team Liquid Brazil
• Loic “effys” Sauvageau, Shopify Rebellion Gold
• Drew “DrewSpark” Spark Whitworth, G2 Gozen

Rookie Of The Year

• Montserrat “mmonch” Gutierre
• Esilene “akita” Xu
• Min Ju “332” Park

IGL Of The Year

• Natalia “daiki” Vilela
• Camila “Sayuri” Obam
• Melanie “meL” Capone

Game Changers MVP

• Paula “bstrdd” Naguil
• Natalia “daiki” Vilela
• Nicole “noia” Tierce

Team Liquid Brazil’s dominance is clear, with daiki earning nominations across multiple categories including MVP. Shopify Rebellion Gold also shows serious depth, placing finalists in nearly every major role.

When And Where To Watch The Ceremony

The TenZ VALORANT Community Awards will air live on February 4 at 9pm PST, streaming on TenZ’s Twitch and YouTube channels. The ceremony was originally planned for December, but the delay allowed more finalists to attend and gave organisers extra time to polish the show.

Winners will be decided using the same player and coach voting system that shaped the finalist lists, with select fan voting opening during the broadcast. It is a rare blend of professional insight and community involvement, and it fits perfectly with how VALORANT continues to evolve.

With this much elite talent packed into one night, February 4 is shaping up as a must watch moment for competitive VALORANT fans.

The post TenZ Reveals Full Finalist List For 2025 VALORANT Community Awards appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

German esports organisation MOUZ has officially announced its departure from VALORANT, bringing an end to its four year run in Riot Games’ tactical shooter. The decision was shared in a public statement on the team’s social media channels on December 19, 2025.

An update on our future in VALORANT. pic.twitter.com/GGTtGX6RyL

— MOUZ (@mousesports) December 18, 2025

In the post, MOUZ explained that the current structure of the VALORANT Champions Tour does not align with the organisation’s long term goals, and that it no longer sees a clear place for itself within the existing ecosystem.

Why MOUZ Is Leaving VALORANT

“We have made the decision to not continue with VALORANT,” the statement reads. “The current VCT format does not align with our ambition as a team, and we do not see a place for us in the current ecosystem.”

The organisation also thanked its partners, players, and coaching staff for their support and dedication throughout its VALORANT journey, which has spanned the past three years of competition.

While the announcement did not reference any specific internal issues, the message points squarely at the structure of the VALORANT Champions Tour as the main reason behind the decision.

A Strong Run in Tier Two Competition

MOUZ entered the VALORANT scene in 2022 and spent most of its time competing in the DACH Challengers circuit. During that period, the team was a consistent domestic contender and regularly pushed for a spot at Ascension.

The organisation enjoyed several notable results, including winning VALORANT Challengers 2024 DACH Evolution Split 2 and qualifying for VCT Ascension EMEA 2024. However, its Ascension campaign ended in a fifth to sixth place finish, falling short of promotion to tier one.

Those results highlighted the razor thin margins that define the current pathway to the top level of VALORANT esports.

Ongoing Concerns Around the VCT Ecosystem

MOUZ’s exit adds to a growing list of organisations questioning the sustainability of VALORANT’s tier two scene. Under the current VCT model, teams outside the partnered leagues operate with limited competitive windows, smaller prize pools, and a single promotion route through Ascension.

For organisations, this often means long term investment without guaranteed stability or access to revenue sharing unless promotion is achieved.

Concerns around the economic viability of the system have been raised repeatedly across the scene. In 2024, the VALORANT Players Association warned that the future of tier two competition “hangs in the balance,” citing low returns on investment, reduced calendars, and limited financial incentives.

Riot Games’ Response and What Comes Next

Publisher Riot Games has taken steps to address these concerns. Earlier this year, Riot confirmed it would allow betting sponsorships across VALORANT and League of Legends esports in North America and EMEA, stating that part of the revenue generated would be reinvested into the tier two ecosystem.

Planned investments include increased prize pools and expanded development initiatives, though MOUZ’s decision suggests that, for some organisations, these measures have not yet shifted the overall risk reward balance.

For now, MOUZ’s focus appears to be firmly on other titles within its competitive portfolio, as the organisation steps away from VALORANT with no immediate plans to return.

The post MOUZ Confirms Exit From VALORANT After Four Years appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Phase 4 Takes an Unexpected Turn

Project Blender’s debut VALORANT tournament has been a standout success so far, drawing strong viewership and impressive performances from both professional and amateur teams. But the final stretch of the event will now unfold differently than planned.

Important information regarding Phase 04 of Project Blender. pic.twitter.com/C1SVfJRk96

— PROJECT BLENDER (@ProjectBlender_) December 8, 2025

The organisers have confirmed that the Phase 4 LAN Finals in Paris have been cancelled due to ongoing logistical issues and difficulties securing visas for participating players. Instead, the final matches will be played online, with the broadcast team still hosting live from the Paris studio to maintain production quality.

Why the LAN Finals Were Cancelled

In an announcement shared across Project Blender’s channels, the team expressed regret over the sudden format change.

They explained that challenges around travel arrangements and visa approvals made it impossible to host teams on site. Ensuring fairness and comfort for all players became the priority, prompting the shift to an entirely online conclusion.

While disappointing for fans hoping to see an in-person finale, Project Blender emphasised its commitment to delivering the best competitive environment possible under the circumstances.

What the Updated Phase 4 Schedule Looks Like

Phase 4 kicked off today, with sixteen teams beginning their campaign in a single elimination bracket. The competition features a €40,000 prize pool and includes well known names such as Team Vitality alongside rising amateur rosters.

Here is the expected flow of matches:

• Round of 16 begins immediately as Phase 4 opens
• Quarter Finals set for December 12
• Final Four, including the Third Place Match and Grand Final, will play out on December 13 and 14
• All matches remain best of three, including the championship series

Here is your updated schedule for Phase 04: pic.twitter.com/4wQoUBniDz

— PROJECT BLENDER (@ProjectBlender_) December 8, 2025

Originally planned as an offline showdown in Paris, these final two days will now be contested remotely. However, fans will still get a polished broadcast thanks to the casting crew working live from the Paris studio.

A Quick Look at Project Blender

Launched in July, Project Blender is designed as an off season VALORANT event for players across the EMEA region. It introduces some fresh ideas to the competitive scene, helping it stand apart from standard tournaments.

Key Features

• Blender Draft
  Inspired by League of Legends’ Fearless Draft, this ruleset prevents a team from using the same agents it selected in the previous map of a series. It encourages deeper strategy, experimentation and adaptation.
• Four Phase Structure
  Each phase has unique participation rules and seeding guidelines.
  Notably, Phase 2 featured a dedicated co ed event called Blender Spotlight, awarding its winners a direct spot in Phase 3.
• Open to All Competitive Tiers
  From professional teams to amateur hopefuls, Phase 1’s massive Open Qualifier set the tone for a truly inclusive competition.

Despite the setback to its LAN Finals, Project Blender has already proven popular with fans, offering tight matches and consistently high production value. With Phase 4 entering its most exciting stage, viewers can still look forward to a thrilling conclusion, even if it plays out online.

The post Project Blender Shifts Phase 4 LAN Finals Online After Visa and Logistics Setbacks appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting tournaments of the year, and now Riot Games is adding something extra for fans everywhere. For the first time, Pick’Ems powered by AWS is arriving for Game Changers, giving players a fun way to predict match results, compete with their mates, and earn exclusive in game rewards along the way.

Whether you back a favourite, pick a dark horse, or cross your fingers for that miracle lower bracket run, Pick’Ems gives you the chance to test your knowledge of the competition while keeping the excitement high throughout the tournament.

https://t.co/1eVMyIDnOZ

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) November 10, 2025

Pick’Ems Arrives for Game Changers

Riot Games confirmed that Pick’Ems will officially debut during the 2025 Game Changers Championship, created in partnership with AWS. The feature has been a fan favourite across other Riot events such as the League of Legends World Championship and Mid Season Invitational, and now it is making its way to VALORANT’s biggest women’s tournament.

The challenge lets players lock in match predictions ahead of the event, follow global leaderboards, and compete with friends for bragging rights and limited time rewards.

Group Pick’Ems open on 13 November at 9 AM PT, and all picks will lock 20 minutes before the first match begins on 20 November.

What Rewards Can You Earn?

Pick’Ems is all about joining the fun, but the rewards make it even sweeter. Riot is offering several exclusive items depending on how well players predict the outcomes.

Participation Reward
• Make just one pick to earn the “Aura Farming” title

Leaderboard Rewards
• Finish in the top 50 percent and get the Pocket Killjoy Buddy
• Finish in the top 20 percent to earn the Golden Pocket Killjoy Buddy
• Achieve perfect picks and take home the rare “100%” title

Image Credit: Riot Games

These rewards will only be available during the event, making them a must grab for collectors and die hard Game Changers fans.

How to Make Your Picks

If it is your first time joining a Pick’Ems challenge, the process is simple and can be done on any device.

1. Open the Pick’Ems tab on VALORANTEsports.com, or enter through the Esports Hub in the VALORANT client
2. Sign in with your Riot account
3. Make your selections for each match

You can also submit your picks on mobile at valorantesports.com/pickems if you are not near your PC.

Pick’Ems is available across most regions, although some locations are not eligible due to local regulations. A valid Riot account is required to participate and receive rewards.

A Look at Game Changers Championship 2025

This year’s Game Changers Championship will take place in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together the ten strongest teams from around the world. The event is the peak of the Game Changers programme, which highlights and supports women in professional VALORANT.

Competing teams include:

• Team Liquid Brazil
• Shopify Rebellion Gold
• G2 Gozen
• And more top squads from each region

The tournament features a double elimination format, with the opening matches revealed during a live draw at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo following the Americas Last Chance Qualifier.

With powerhouse rosters and rising stars all chasing the trophy, fans can expect high level plays and intense matchups from start to finish.

Where to Follow the Action

For the latest updates throughout the 2025 VCT season, fans can follow VALORANT Esports on:

• Twitter/X: @valorantesports
• Instagram: @valorantesports
• Facebook: /valorantesports
• TikTok: @valorantesports
• Twitch: twitch.tv/valorant
• YouTube: youtube.com/@ValorantEsports
• Official website: valorantesports.com

Event photos and tournament coverage will also be available on the VALORANT Esports Flickr page.

With Pick’Ems now added to this year’s championship, players have one more reason to tune in, cheer for their teams, and put their prediction skills to the test.

The post Game Changers Championship 2025 Launches First Ever Pick’Ems Challenge, Powered by AWS appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Update (2026):
Riot Games has officially revealed the full VALORANT Premier schedule for 2026, confirming match dates, map rotations, and playoff timing for Premier Stage V26A1.

The new stage begins on January 14 and runs through to early March, with weekly map rotations and a single playoff date determining promotion opportunities. Teams competing in the 2026 Premier cycle will have several weeks to establish consistency across a varied map pool and adjust to division updates.

You can find the complete breakdown, including the full schedule, map rotation, and March playoffs, in our latest report here:
https://www.shanethegamer.com/esports-news/valorant-premier-stage-v26a1-schedule/

The Next Stage of Premier is Here

Riot Games has revealed the full details for VALORANT’s Premier Stage V25A6, running from October to December 2025. This marks the start of Season 2025 Act 6, bringing a refreshed map pool, competitive tweaks, and new features designed to refine the path from ranked play to pro competition.

Act 6 officially begins on October 15, 2025, with patch v11.08, and will run until January 7, 2026.

New Map Rotation for Act 6

Premier’s latest stage comes with a brand-new map rotation, shaking up strategies across divisions. Pearl and Split return to the active pool, while Lotus and Ascent step out for the season.

Here’s the full week-by-week schedule for Premier Act 6:

• Week 1 (Oct 22–26): Bind
• Week 2 (Oct 29–Nov 2): Abyss
• Week 3 (Nov 5–9): Split
• Week 4 (Nov 12–16): Haven
• Week 5 (Nov 19–23): Corrode
• Week 6 (Nov 26–30): Sunset
• Week 7 (Dec 3–6): Pearl
• Playoffs: December 7

Queue windows vary by zone, so players should check the Premier tab for local queue times.

Preparing for Premier? This is your Act 6 schedule pic.twitter.com/4ghddAXqDI

— VALORANT (@VALORANT) October 8, 2025

Format and Competitive Updates

This stage introduces several competitive adjustments to keep Premier’s structure balanced and fair.

• The top 16 Invite Division teams will remain in Invite after Stage V25A6 ends.
• All other Invite teams will be demoted back to their previous zones.
• Divisions below Invite will still follow normal promotion and seeding rules.
• Team owners can change their zone before the team plays its first match.

If a team can’t be placed in a zone for the next stage, the owner will be prompted to select one manually.

How to Qualify for Contender in 2026

Riot also confirmed updates to Contender Eligibility. For 2025, eligibility expires at the end of Stage V25A6. To qualify for Contender in 2026, players must complete one of the following during this stage or at any point in 2026:

• Play a Weekly or Playoff match in Contender or Invite Division
• Reach Immortal 3 or higher in Competitive mode
• Play in a Playoff match in Elite 5

Eligibility earned in 2026 will remain valid until the end of that year.

VCT Team Tags Arrive in Premier

Another notable feature coming with patch v11.08 is the expansion of VCT Team Tags. Players from official VCT partnered organisations will now have their team tag displayed before their names across the client — in lobbies, killfeeds, leaderboards, and the social panel.

These tags are exclusive to VCT teams, and current Premier squads using identical names or tags will be asked to change them.

What Else is Coming in Act 6

Beyond the Premier updates, VALORANT Season 2025 Act 6 includes new cosmetic content. Players can look forward to a fresh battle pass featuring two themed skinlines, Heartseeker and Heartstopper, alongside sprays, cards, and more.

A new premium bundle titled Dolmir’s Revenge is also set to hit the store shortly after the Act launches.

Image Credit: Riot Games

With Champions 2025 now concluded, this Act signals a major meta shift as Riot resets the competitive landscape and injects fresh energy into the game’s ongoing evolution.

The Road Ahead

Riot continues to refine Premier as VALORANT’s bridge between ranked and professional play. With map changes, new eligibility rules, and social features like VCT tags, Stage V25A6 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and community-driven Acts yet.

Gather your team, set your zone, and get ready to queue, Premier Act 6 begins October 22.

The post VALORANT Act 6 Premier: Schedule, Map Rotation, and Competitive Updates appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Fnatic have done it. After a long and grueling lower bracket run, the European powerhouse has locked in their first-ever spot in a VALORANT Champions Grand Final, defeating DRX 3-1 in an intense series at Champions Paris. The victory sets up a thrilling rematch against NRG for the 2025 title.

Second matchup. Same result.@FNATIC take down DRX AGAIN at #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/R894i2RUbR

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 4, 2025

The lower final was a best-of-five showdown that revisited an earlier clash between the two sides, and once again, Fnatic came out on top. The series played out on Sunset, Corrode, Haven, and Bind, with DRX taking only the opening map before Fnatic surged ahead to win three straight and close the series.

DRX Strike First on Sunset
The series began on Sunset, a map that both teams had struggled with in the past. Fnatic surprised fans by picking it, only to see DRX’s Song “HYUNMIN” Hyun-min dominate early. His explosive 4K pistol round set the tone, and DRX’s aggressive defensive holds carried them to a confident 13-8 win. HYUNMIN ended the map with 22 kills and 185 ADR, while Flashback added 20 kills of his own.

Fnatic, despite showing glimpses of life, couldn’t find their footing in mid control, and their attack plan often fell apart under DRX’s well-coordinated site pressure.

Fnatic Respond with a Stomp on Corrode
If the first map belonged to DRX, the second was a statement from Fnatic. Playing Corrode for the first time in the tournament, the EMEA squad delivered a flawless attacking half, storming to a 10-0 run and a crushing 13-3 victory. Austin “crashies” Roberts was the star, putting up 18 kills with near-perfect utility use on Fade. Chronicle wasn’t far behind, matching the pace with 18 kills of his own as DRX’s defence completely collapsed under Fnatic’s mid-control dominance.

Haven Goes the Distance
Haven proved to be the tightest contest of the series. DRX started strong, taking both pistols and building an early 5-0 lead. But Fnatic, led by Boaster’s smart adjustments, fought back to tie the half 6-6. Once again, it was crashies who made the difference, landing crucial clutches and denying DRX’s site hits.

Kajetan “kaajak” Haremski also found his rhythm on Yoru, opening up sites with fearless entries and finishing with a 1.40 rating. Despite DRX’s best efforts to stay in the fight, Fnatic closed out the map 13-11 with a decisive hit on C site.

Bind: The Finishing Blow
By the time the series reached Bind, Fnatic were in full control. Their creative setups and well-timed utility smothered DRX, who managed to win just two rounds on defence, both courtesy of more heroics from HYUNMIN. Chronicle and kaajak each picked up 17 kills, while crashies continued his standout series, finishing with a total of 65 kills across the match.

Fnatic’s clean 13-4 win sealed the 3-1 victory and punched their ticket to the Grand Final.

All Eyes on the Grand Final
DRX bow out in third place, a strong showing for the Pacific fourth seed despite falling short of their first international trophy. For Fnatic, the win marks a historic milestone. The kings of EMEA now advance to face NRG, who previously swept them 2-0 in the upper final.

Speaking after the match, Chronicle reflected on their resilience: “Fnatic always come back. I hope NRG won’t forget that tomorrow.” Boaster followed up with his signature energy, adding, “NRG, we’re coming for you. When you’re in bed having nightmares about us, you know we’ll be ready.”

🥶 pic.twitter.com/MI3RzQzIfK

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) October 4, 2025

The VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final kicks off tomorrow at 11 AM BST, where Fnatic will try to claim their first Champions trophy and avenge their earlier loss to NRG. Fans can watch the showdown live on the official VCT Twitch and YouTube channels.

The post Fnatic Crush DRX 3-1 to Reach VALORANT Champions 2025 Grand Final appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has rolled out its first ever VALORANT Global Power Rankings (GPR), giving fans a data-driven look at which teams stand tall ahead of Champions 2025 in Paris. Powered by Amazon Web Services, the rankings are designed to finally settle one of the scene’s biggest debates: who really is the best in the world?

For now, the answer is clear. G2 Esports sit at the top of the inaugural list with a power score of 1521, edging out Singapore’s Paper Rex (1514) and Indonesia’s RRQ (1486). It’s yet another highlight in a dominant year for G2, who recently claimed the VCT Americas Stage 2 title after sweeping NRG.

How the Global Power Rankings Work

The GPR takes inspiration from Elo rating systems, blending two main elements: a team’s individual Elo and their league’s overall Elo strength. Riot settled on an 80/20 weighting between the two, which they say produced the most accurate predictions during testing.

This means that results are not just about wins and losses, but also about the context of those wins. Beating a higher-ranked team gives a big boost, while losing to a lower-ranked side can drag a team down. The system also places heavier importance on recent results, international events like Masters and Champions, and playoff matches compared to regular season games.

Other tweaks include factoring in round score (a 13-0 stomp is worth more than a close 13-11), attack vs defence performance, and eco/buy round outcomes. Still, match results remain the single biggest influence.

The model is updated daily, so expect shifts throughout Champions 2025 as upsets play out. Riot has also hinted at future upgrades in 2026, including deeper eco-round tracking, player-specific rankings, and dynamic scoring based on a team’s tournament stakes.

The Top 10 Teams Going Into Champions

Here’s how the GPR top 10 looks heading into Paris:

1. G2 Esports (VCT Americas) – 1521
2. Paper Rex (VCT Pacific) – 1514
3. RRQ (VCT Pacific) – 1486
4. Bilibili Gaming (VCT China) – 1467
5. NRG (VCT Americas) – 1437
6. Team Liquid (VCT EMEA) – 1436
7. FNATIC (VCT EMEA) – 1427
8. T1 (VCT Pacific) – 1421
9. Dragon Ranger Gaming (VCT China) – 1416
10. Sentinels (VCT Americas) – 1412

You can check out the full Global Power Rankings here.

At the other end of the spectrum, Brazil’s MIBR sit 27th out of the teams heading to Champions, while fellow Brazilian side FURIA rank dead last overall at 48th with a score of 1172.

Why It Matters

For fans, the Global Power Rankings add another layer of hype to Champions. Think of it as a snapshot of form heading into the biggest event of the year. If the GPR is accurate, we’ll see a tournament go as expected. But if it starts breaking down, that means upsets are happening, which is exactly what makes VALORANT so unpredictable.

Whether G2 can maintain their number one spot on stage is the big question. With the field stacked and the rankings updating daily, the storylines in Paris are set to be even spicier.

The post VALORANT Release Global Power Rankings with G2 Esports on Top appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The VALORANT esports scene had a bit of a stir this week when reports started circulating about a big change potentially coming to the VCT Americas. A Brazilian esports news account claimed Riot Games was looking at breaking up the league after the 2026 season, giving South America its own franchised competition.

Riot Games reportedly aims to create a franchised league in South America for VALORANT Esports

▪️ Would happen after 2026 season (franchise contracts end)

▪️ Would break up VCT Americas to allow SA teams to participate

▪️ Riot has been in contact with Tier 2 orgs to try and… pic.twitter.com/rYc7uKyQbv

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) August 11, 2025

According to the report, Riot had even been in touch with Tier 2 organisations in the region, asking about the costs of running rosters and infrastructure. The supposed goal? To give Brazil and South America a stronger competitive foundation in VALORANT, something the region has a proud history in, thanks to years of success in tactical shooters like CS2 and Rainbow Six Siege.

The post quickly gained traction, with some fans getting excited about more resources heading to South America, while others rolled their eyes at the idea of another franchised league. Franchising has always been a hot topic in esports, loved by some for its stability, loathed by others who prefer an open system like Counter-Strike’s.

But Riot has now stepped in to set the record straight. Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, replied to a post from Valorant news source ValorIntel, making it clear the rumour isn’t true.

This is top of mind for us and changes are coming in 2027 to address it. But this report is false.

— Leo Faria (@lhfaria) August 11, 2025

So, while it’s clear Riot has plans for the region down the line, a South American franchised league isn’t one of them, at least not for now. The current franchise contracts run until the end of 2026, and it’s likely we won’t know exactly what’s next for VCT until much closer to that date.

For now, South American VALORANT fans will just have to wait and see what changes 2027 actually brings.

The post VALORANT Denies Rumours of VCT South Americas appeared first on Shane the Gamer.