VCT 2022 format introduced for Europe, CIS and Turkey

Riot Games has announced the format of VCT 2022 for Europe, CIS and Turkey (united EMEA region). In addition to the main stage, viewers will see VALORANT Regional Leagues, a series of regional leagues needed to develop talent. Riot Games also announced details regarding the structure of VCT 2022 in the region for the next season, as well as the future of VCT Game Changers in the EMEA region.

Similar to the European Regional League project, which exists in the League of Legends discipline, the VRL will be implemented in the VALORANT ecosystem in the EMEA region next year. In total, there will be eight VRL Championships next year, each run by partner organizers. Each league will have two stages throughout the year, with a regular season and playoffs topping the champion. The VRL 2022 season kicks off with qualifying on January 24th.

The following countries (regions) will be represented to participate in VALORANT Regional Leagues:

• Spain (LVP).
• France (Freaks 4U Gaming).
• Great Britain, Ireland and Scandinavian countries (Promod Esports).
• Poland and Eastern Europe (FRENZY).
• CIS (GIG Me).
• Countries of the Maghreb and the Middle East (Calyx Gaming).
• Turkey (ESA Esports).
• Germany, Austria and Switzerland (Freaks 4U Gaming).
  

Riot Games has confirmed that players from certain non-represented countries will be able to compete in specific regional leagues as residents. For example, players from Portugal and Italy will be considered residents of the Spanish League. Unless otherwise noted, players without a residence in a regional league will be classified as imported.

The developer also shed light on the details of VCT Stage 1 2022. In particular, four teams received invitations to the championship: Acend, Gambit, fnatic and Liquid. The rest of the participants will be determined based on the results of the qualifications, which will start on January 10: four teams from Europe, two from the CIS and Turkey. More details on the 2022 VCT format are expected to arrive early next year.

Riot Games has confirmed that all VCT 2022 events will be broadcast in eight languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, Polish and Arabic.

Riot Games plans to host three VCT Game Changers EMEA series in 2022, January, May and September. Teams that succeed in the competition will qualify for a spot in the Global Game Changers scheduled for November.