Valorant Challengers Reveal 2025 Changes and More

The 2025 season for Valorant Challengers is just around the corner, and in a recent press release, Riot Games unveiled some new changes and updates to the format and schedule for the APAC region. Here is everything we know as of now.

Academy Teams to Join Valorant Challengers in 2025

In its official press release, Riot Games expressed the desire to “deepen its development pipeline” and will implement Academy Teams into the Challengers Leagues across the APAC region (Asia-Pacific).

The goal is for this change to allow teams to scout for new talent beforehand, allowing them to test and develop their rosters. However, Riot Games made it exceptionally clear that they still want to give opportunities to new teams trying to join the VCT Pacific.

Academy Teams will be able to participate in Challengers, but they will not be able to qualify for Ascension Pacific.

Related: Derke Joins Team Vitality’s Valorant Team

Participating Teams

The following teams have opted to have Academy Teams in their regional leagues:

• Challengers Korea – DRX, Gen.G, T1
• Challengers Japan – Zeta Division, DFM
• Challengers Southeast Asia – RRQ, Talon, Team Secret
• Challengers South Asia – Global Esports

The partnered teams who opt-in will be given a direct slot in their Challengers League for 2025.

Related: Esports Event Calendar 2025 │ Best Esports Tournaments of the Year

Riot Releases 2025 APAC Schedule

Riot Games has also revealed the 2025 APAC Calendar which includes three splits that will lead into Ascension.

Academy Teams will have the chance to play alongside their respective teams during these tournaments but will not be able to participate in Ascension.

More information about the upcoming 2025 schedule will be unveiled later on as we round the corner of the year. Will you be watching the 2025 VCT season?

For more Insider Gaming news, read about the upcoming VCT Game Changers Championship format.