Riot announces China as a new international league for VCT 2024

Tokoni Uti Published 23/08/2023

A fourth international league in China is set to be added to the professional Valorant Champions Tour circuit next year, Riot Games announced today.

Following Valorant’s successful release in the country, China is set to host its international league next year alongside EMEA, the Pacific, and the Americas. 

Riot touted the move as a reflection of the company’s goal to include other countries in the VCT. “Recognizing the potential and contributions of the Chinese community, this momentous inclusion reflects VALORANT’s goal to be the world’s most global esport,” the developer said in a release. 

Alongside the international league in China next year, the major city of Shanghai is set to host the second Masters event in the calendar, which is set to take place around May 2024. 

The slew of changes to VCT 2024 includes an updated schedule with two Masters tournaments and the introduction of Championship points.

Riot looks to tap into the illustrious Chinese market 

Riot, owned by Chinese technology conglomerate Tencent, is looking to push for more Valorant players from China. In 2022, it was reported that China’s games market reached $45.5 billion, and there are set to be an estimated 730 million gamers in the country by 2027, according to a report by GamesIndustry. 

The game was approved by the country’s National Press and Publication Administration in December last year, which has allowed Riot to expand into China to reach a large number of players. 

Even prior to the game’s official approval, several professional teams were forced to play on different servers.

The rise of teams such as EDward Gaming has shone a light on Chinese Valorant and its impressive ability to perform against the other major regions across the world. EDward Gaming finished in the top six at Valorant Champions following an impressive run that ended in defeat to LOUD in the second round of the lower bracket playoff stage. 

Before the defeat, EDward Gaming took down fellow Chinese team Bilibili Gaming, the latter of which had eliminated North American team NRG from the tournament in the group stage.

Read Also

Valorant

VCT Masters London Final Swiss Stage Predictions: Who Makes the Playoffs? Owen Harsono There are only two playoff spots remaining at VCT Masters London, and the final day of the Swiss Stage will decide which teams claim them. Every match today is a must-win, with elimination on the line for all four teams involved. Here are our VCT Masters London Swiss Stage predictions for the final day. NRG will take on FUT Esports in a do-or-die match. We have a very experienced team ...

Valorant

Which teams will make it to the VCT Masters London playoffs? Owen Harsono The first round of the VCT Masters London Swiss Stage has come to a close, and we have a pretty good idea of which teams are looking good – and which ones aren’t. Let’s take a look at the frontrunners who will likely survive the first stage with flying colors. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally able to see the EMEA superteam play in their first international ...

Esports Betting

VALORANT Masters London 2026: Teams, format, prize pool and odds Owen Harsono After a long wait, international Valorant action is back. Twelve of the best teams across four major regions have booked their spots at the upcoming VALORANT Masters London 2026 tournament, and we’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about the event. Masters London is the second international VALORANT tournament of the year, following Masters Santiago in February and March. We have several new rookies making their ...

Valorant

NRG vs 100 Thieves betting predictions and best picks: VCT Americas Stage 1 Owen Harsono NRG will take on 100 Thieves in the lower bracket of VCT Americas Stage 1, with the winner booking the final spot at Valorant Masters London 2026. There’s a lot on the line, as this series will determine how the next few months look for both teams. Here is our NRG vs 100 Thieves VCT Americas Stage 1 predictions. Tournament: VCT Americas Stage 1 Stage: Playoffs Game: Valorant Format: Best-of-three ...

Esports Betting

EWC officially heads to Paris for 2026 as early reports confirmed Michael Hassall The Esports World Cup 2026 will take place in Paris, France from July later this year as per an new announcement by the EWC organizers, the Esports Foundation. Revealed in a post on their official social media, and an accompanying release and blog post, the announcement confirmed earlier speculation that the event would move location due to the “regional situation” around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the info: The Esports World ...

Valorant

Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE betting preview, odds, and best picks: VCT Pacific Stage 1 grand final predictions Owen Harsono FULL SENSE will take on Paper Rex for the VCT Pacific crown, as the two teams clash in the Pacific Stage 1 grand finals. The former made a clean run through the upper bracket, while the latter has been ramping up through the lower bracket. Here are our Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE VCT Pacific predictions. Tournament: VCT Pacific Stage 1 Stage: Grand Final Game: Valorant Format: Best of 5 ...

Valorant

Valorant’s TenZ joins T1 as a content creator Hannan Mundia After a long career with Sentinels, the former professional Valorant player TenZ joined T1 as a content creator. Riot Games’ FPS title Valorant has given rise to multiple names. However, few have earned the recognition and respect that Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo has. While he has retired from his career as a professional Valorant player, he continues to create content on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. While he’s most ...