Cover-Credits:
Riot Games has introduced an all-new franchise format for VCT 2023. This new format will feature 30 franchise teams from three regions: Americas, EMEA, and Pacific. Since the announcement of the 30 teams, all the partnered teams are looking forward to building their new rosters.
But the VCT 2023 will only begin in February 2023 with the VCT Kick-Off tournament. In the meanwhile, to fill this void, Riot Games has announced multiple off-season events. The company revealed that it has partnered with numerous organizations from across the world for third-party leagues for the aforementioned Valorant Off-Season events.
Valorant Off-Season events for Pacific region
TEC Challenger Series
Sub-region: South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA)
Schedule: 29th September - 13th October
Prize pool: $30,000 USD
The TEC Challenger Series will have separate qualifiers for both South Asia and Southeast Asia. Four teams will qualify from SA and two teams will qualify from SEA with two other teams being invited directly for the group stage.
TEN 5_Valorant Korea vs. Japan Showmatch
Sub-region: Korea (KR) vs Japan (JP)
Schedule: 3rd October
A single-day showmatch event featuring DRX (KR) and Northeption (JP), organized by LOUD Corp.
Valorant India Invitational by Galaxy Racer (GXR)
Sub-region: India
Schedule: 14th October to 20th November
A 3-day brawl, the India Invitational will feature top international teams battling it out for International Competitive Valorant. The main event is scheduled to take place from 18th to 20th November in Hyderabad, India.
Penta Pro Series - Valorant
Sub-region: South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA)
Schedule: 28th October - 18th December
The South Asia (SA) & Southeast Asia region tournament will be played over three phases.
The first phase - Regional Qualifiers (SA), will have two qualifiers for India, one qualifier for Pakistan and one for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The top 2 teams from each qualifier will proceed to the second phase - Playoffs, from where the top 2 teams will qualify for the Finale. They will be joined by two invited teams from the SEA region for the Finale which will be played in Bengaluru to crown the champion.
TEN 5_ Valorant Korea vs. Japan
Sub-region: Korea (KR) and Japan (JP)
Schedule: 3rd October
It is the second in Korea vs. Japan esports series organized by LOUD Corporation.
It will be a rematch of VCT Masters 2's opening match between DRX (KR) and Northeption (JP).
TEN 5_ Valorant Special Match
Sub-region: Korea (KR) or APAC
Schedule: 4th November
It is a special off-season match that takes place in Busan Esports Arena (BRENA).
Gwangju Esports Series (GES) Asia
Sub-region: Asia
Schedule: 26th November - 27 November
GES Asia will invite 4 teams that represent Asia, with the Bo3 single-elimination format where the two semi finals matches will take place on Day 1, and the 3rd place match and the finals will take place on Day 2 (following day).
WCG Rivals - Valorant : Korea vs Japan
Sub-region: Korea (KR) and Japan (JP)
Schedule: 16th December
In the first Rivals event, WCG Rivals : Korea vs Japan, invited Valorant influencers and professionals will compete for their nation's pride and a cash prize.
The invitational will be played online for 3 days in total, with Valorant tournament taking place on the first day, 16th December.
Afreeca TV SEA Invitational
Sub-region: Southeast Asia
Schedule: 29th November - 4th December
During the off-season, when roster changes typically occur, Riot can keep the Valorant scene active with these tournaments. Furthermore, it will also allow all the teams to try out different rosters and strategies. Additionally, it will give tournament organizers great flexibility to experiment with varying styles of events and formats, which should provide more entertaining matches all year.
