VALORANT Champions 2025 officially kicks off on September 12 and runs through October 5, 2025. The entire event takes place at Paris’ Accor Arena, marking the grand finale of Riot Games’ year-long VALORANT Champions Tour. The tournament starts with the Group Stage from September 12–22, followed by Playoffs (September 25–October 5), climaxing with the Grand Final on October 5.
How Does The Tournament Work?
Sixteen teams—the very best from the four global regions—will battle for the world championship in a two-stage format.
- Group Stage (September 12–22): Four groups of four teams each play double-elimination matches (GSL format). All matches are Best-of-3. The top two from each group advance to the Playoffs.
- Playoffs (September 25–October 5): Eight teams enter a double-elimination bracket. Most matches are Best-of-3; the Lower Bracket Final and Grand Final are Best-of-5.
Who’s Competing?
Teams qualified from the Americas, Pacific, EMEA, and China. Half secured direct invites by finishing top two in their region; the rest earned their spot via season-long Championship Points. Official lineups include Sentinels, PRX, Fnatic, Bilibili Gaming, G2, T1, Team Liquid, EDG, MIBR, RRQ, GIANTX, XLG, NRG, DRX, Team Heretics, and DRG.
What’s The Prize Pool?
The total prize pool stands at $2,250,000 USD, with the winner taking home $1 million. Every team earns at least $20,000, with payouts increasing for higher placements.
What’s New This Year?
- “Last Shot” Anthem: The official tournament anthem, “Last Shot,” produced by templuv and featuring 347aidan, will debut live at the Opening Ceremony on October 5, accompanied by a cinematic music video available globally.
- Champions 2025 Collection: A new set of in-game cosmetics launches in early September, with 50% of net proceeds shared among VCT teams.
- Pick’Ems & Community Factions: Predict match outcomes for rewards, and join community teams led by co-streamers for a new interactive experience.
- Paris Spotlight: After previous editions in Berlin, Istanbul, Los Angeles, and Seoul, 2025 marks the first time Champions lands in Paris, promising a next-level production reflecting the city’s creative spirit.
What To Look Forward To
VALORANT Champions 2025 will have the world’s best teams, record-breaking prize pools, and Riot’s signature production values will create a must-watch spectacle. Whether you’re there live or following online, expect world-class gameplay, dramatic storylines, and the biggest moments of the VALORANT season.
Mark your calendars: September 12–October 5, Paris, 16 teams, one world champion.