Riot Games has officially unveiled the list of 30 partnered teams that have been selected for the Valorant Franchise League 2023 and onwards. They have introduced 3 VALORANT International Leagues for all 3 major regions, i.e, Americas, EMEA, and Pacific. The 10 finalized teams from each 3 major regions will compete as a part of VCT franchise circuit and represent their region at a world stage.
VCT Americas League 2023
- Sentinels
- 100 Thieves
- Cloud9
- NRG Esports
- Evil Geniuses
- FURIA
- LOUD
- MIBR
- KRÜ Esports
- Leviatán
VCT EMEA League 2023
- FNATIC
- Team Liquid
- Team Vitality
- Karmine Corp
- Heretics
- Giants Gaming
- KOI
- Natus Vincere
- BBL Esports
- FUT Esports
VCT Pacific League
- ZETA DIVISION
- DetonatioN Gaming White
- Gen.G
- T1
- DRX
- Team Secret
- Paper Rex
- Rex Regum Qeon
- Talon Esports
- Global Esports
According to Riot Games, it was quite a daunting task to select the officially partnered teams were incredibly challenging. It took months to conclude as they received many applications to be a part of the official VCT 2023 franchising circuit. Some of the important factors to look at while selecting the teams were as follows:
- Organizations who share our values of always putting fans first, celebrate our diverse community, and are committed to supporting pros
- Organizations who have created a strong connection with fans through engaging content, a compelling brand, and an exciting roster
- Organizations who build for the long-term, with a focus on sustainability
Following the news, we saw a clear criticm about OpTic Gaming not being a part of official VCT franchising circuit as they were arguably the best North American team along with a contender to be one of the best in the world. The Guard, G2 Esports and FunPlus Phoenix that were contenders for the top spot in their region which have been left out. Jake Lucky tweeted:
Trying to wrap my head around Valorant franchising yet one of the best teams in the World with the best player in the world somehow ain’t in it
5 teams for NA seems like it’s gunna do some downright damage on the players and teams left out
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) September 20, 2022