Riot Games today announced that it will share more than $100 million USD with partnered teams competing in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) during the 2025 season, marking a historic milestone for the global esports ecosystem for the game.
Driven by the continued success of VALORANT’s in-game esports digital goods, including team skins, the Season Capsule, and the Champions Collection, the revenue share marks the largest annual team payout in VCT history. In 2024, the company shared a total of $78.4 million with its 44 VCT teams.
More than $86 million of the total revenue was generated directly through digital goods this year, up from $44.3 million in 2024, representing a roughly 94 percent year-over-year increase, underscoring the sustainability of VALORANT’s esports economy.
The announcement also marks the culmination of a solid year for the VALORANT Champions Tour, which delivered record-breaking viewership and engagement across its global events. Masters Bangkok and Toronto became one of the most-watched Masters events in VCT history, while Champions Paris featured an ambitious opening ceremony, and the grand final that crowned NRG as the World Champions in 2025.
“We saw incredible competition, unforgettable stories, and record-breaking engagement from players and fans around the world. Our community continues to elevate this sport, and their passion fuels one of the healthiest and most sustainable ecosystems in esports.” Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, said.
According to the developer, fan engagement also reached new highs this year, which was driven by digital experiences. The Pick’Ems recorded participation from more than two million players during the Game Changers tournament, while Shotcall’s beta generated millions of live predictions. A redesigned broadcast HUD also helped drive record watch time and audience interaction across the season.
Looking ahead, the developer outlined major updates for the VCT in 2026, including a new open Path to Champions that allows non-partner teams to compete for a place at Champions Shanghai during Stage 2. The circuit will also expand its global roadshows, bringing live events to new cities. The 2026 season begins on January 15, with Masters events in Santiago and London, before concluding at Champions Shanghai in October.
With high investment, continued global expansion, and an evolving ecosystem, the VALORANT Champions Tour continues to set the standard for long-term sustainability in esports.
Published: Dec 16, 2025 02:29 pm