In a groundbreaking announcement, Riot Games has revealed significant updates to the VALORANT Premier system, set to redefine the competitive landscape in Episode 8 starting January 2024. The Premier system, a gateway for teams aspiring to reach the prestigious Challengers and the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), aims to nurture talented players for a direct ascent into the Champions Tour from within the game.
Episode 8’s Premier Season marks a transitional phase, introducing a ranked requirement for Premier teams. To qualify for Contenders—the highest tier of Premier—teams must now have a ranked requirement of Immortal 3 or higher. This bold move is the initial step toward Riot Games’ vision of enabling promotions into Premier Contenders exclusively via Premier, with plans to allow squad-level promotions without the need for ranked play.
Premier, Riot Games’ in-game competitive tournament system, offers players a platform to showcase their skills in a highly competitive arena. The path to Contender, the prerequisite for entering Challengers, involves reaching the Immortal 3 rank.
For teams eyeing a spot in the Challenger League, an age requirement of 16 or above is mandatory for all players. Additionally, current professional players on active Challenger or International League rosters are excluded from Premier participation. However, Game Changers competitors remain eligible for Premier.
VALORANT Premier Season 2024
Riot Games has implemented strict policies to maintain integrity within the Premier system. Players are allowed to participate with only one account, substitutes, and cross-region play is in place. Violations, including cheating, will result in severe repercussions.
Riot Games remains vigilant for players participating in multiple regions, smurf accounts, ringers, and challenges arising from roster changes. The aim is to learn from these situations and address them at scale for subsequent seasons.
Timing is crucial for teams embarking on their journey to Challengers. Teams must attain a competitive ranking of Immortal 3 or higher by the commencement of Episode 8 Act 1 on January 10, 2024. The registration window for Premier teams is set between January 8 and 17, 2024. Teams must then sign up for the respective Challengers Open Qualifier with their Contender Division Roster. Riot will reveal specific information on Challenger League sign-ups to be released in the coming weeks via regional channels.
Teams not qualifying for Challengers during Open Qualifiers will have the opportunity to compete in Premier Contender. Two stages of the competition will unfold between January and the end of April. It will culminate in the Premier Contender Play-Offs of 2nd stage, which will qualify teams for the Challengers Promotion and Relegation tournament.
The journey from Premier to Challengers is a testament to dedication, skill, and passion for VALORANT. Riot Games assures players of unwavering support throughout this exciting venture, with the promise of more updates on Premier, Challengers, and the 2024 VCT Season. Stay tuned as the VALORANT competitive landscape undergoes a revolutionary transformation in Episode 8.
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