VALORANT has claimed its first Sports Emmy Award in the Outstanding Esports Championship Coverage category, thanks to its thrilling broadcast of the VALORANT Champions 2024 Grand Final. The event, which showcased an intense showdown between EDward Gaming and Team Heretics, saw the Chinese squad emerge victorious in a high-stakes battle.
This victory marks Riot Games’ sixth Sports Emmy win in this category, having previously been honoured for League of Legends World Finals coverage.
A Milestone for VALORANT Esports
The Sports Emmy Awards, hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), celebrate excellence in sports broadcasting, with esports receiving dedicated recognition since 2019. The VALORANT Champions 2024 broadcast stood out among strong contenders, including the Call of Duty League Championship Weekend 2024, Dota 2’s The International 2024, IEM Cologne 2024 Grand Final, and the League of Legends Worlds 2024 Final.
Riot Games expressed gratitude for the award, stating on LinkedIn that the achievement highlights the evolution of VALORANT Esports, the dedication of the production team, and the unwavering support of the global VALORANT community. The developers also thanked players, fans, and staff for their role in bringing the event to life.
Behind the Award-Winning Broadcast
A team of 88 skilled professionals contributed to the acclaimed broadcast, including key figures like Leo Faria, John Needham, Yinsu Collins, and Kevin Bell. Associate Director Karel Keim shared his excitement on social media, praising the team’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of esports storytelling and innovation. He also acknowledged the players and fans who make such events possible.
Hosted at South Korea’s INSPIRE Arena, the VALORANT Champions 2024 Grand Final was the first Champions tournament held in the Pacific region. The event shattered viewership records, peaking at 1.4 million concurrent viewers—120,000 more than the previous year’s high.