Riot Games has set the stage for an impressive milestone in the world of esports. The company has announced that the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) will distribute over $100 million (~£75 million) to its partner teams in 2025, derived from sales of in-game esports digital goods. This substantial sum champions the continued growth and financial sustainability of competitive gaming.
In a landmark achievement for VALORANT esports, over $86 million (~£65 million) in shared revenue was generated from digital item sales, a significant increase from the $44.3 million (~£33 million) reported last year. Leo Faria, Global Head of VALORANT Esports, emphasized the community’s role in elevating the sport with their passion and support. He stated that 2025 was a defining year for the competition, marked by incredible stories and record-breaking engagement.
VALORANT Esports’ Strategic Shift
Riot’s franchised VALORANT Champions Tour includes 40 partner teams and eight organizations promoted from the tier two scene across four regions: EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and China. These teams not only hold a VCT slot but also benefit directly from the revenue generated through annual in-game bundle releases. Throughout the 2025 season, fans supported their favorite teams through dedicated VCT team capsules, which include a Classic skin, a player card, a spray, and a gun buddy. Additionally, the VALORANT Champions bundle, celebrating the season-ending international tournament, contributes significantly to the shared revenue.
As Riot experiments with time-limited bundles like the 2025 VCT Season Capsules, the revenue sharing model continues to evolve. Last year, the total shared revenue was reported at $78.4 million (~£59 million), with digital item sales accounting for a large portion of this.
Major Changes for VALORANT Esports in 2026
The upcoming VCT season promises to bring transformative changes. For the first time since the inception of franchising, Challengers teams will have the chance to qualify directly for VALORANT Champions. Riot plans to broaden the ecosystem by providing more teams with access to funding resources. Non-partner teams qualifying for Champions will benefit from a ‘Champions competitive share’.
Furthermore, Faria hinted at upcoming changes for VCT capsules in 2027 in his end-of-year letter: “I’m also excited to share that we’re cooking up a new plan for digital goods in 2027. Something new… maybe not so classic.” These developments signal a dynamic future for VALORANT esports, brimming with opportunities and innovations.