Riot Games has officially announced the details for the highly anticipated VCT Ascension EMEA 2025 tournament, one of the most crucial events in Valorant’s competitive calendar. The event will be hosted at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin from October 18 to 26, with two teams earning promotion to the 2026 VCT EMEA circuit.

For the first time, the entire event will be played on LAN, ensuring competitive integrity across all stages, while the final Ascension Matches will feature a live audience to capture the electrifying atmosphere that Valorant fans have come to expect.

The Qualified Teams

Eight elite teams from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have earned their spots in the tournament after months of intense competition through regional Challengers circuits. The lineup includes BBL PCIFIC, ULF Esports, Enterprise Esports, Twisted Minds, Mandatory, FOKUS, Joblife, and DNSTY.

These teams accumulated Ascension Points through consistent performances in their respective leagues, making them the top contenders ready to battle for a place in the VCT EMEA 2026 season.

Format and Tournament Structure

The eight teams are divided into two groups of four, following a GSL-style double-elimination format. Each match in the group stage will be a best-of-three series. Teams must win two series to move forward to the next stage, while losing two eliminates them from contention.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the Ascension Matches — high-stakes best-of-five finals that will determine which two teams earn the prestigious promotion to the main VCT EMEA circuit for 2026. The group winners will face the runners-up from the opposite group, ensuring competitive balance and thrilling matchups.

Complete Tournament Schedule

The VCT Ascension EMEA 2025 schedule is as follows:

  • October 18 – Group A matches (Day 1)

  • October 19 – Group B matches (Day 2)

  • October 20 – Losers’ matches

  • October 21 – Winners’ matches

  • October 22 – Decider matches

  • October 23–24 – Break

  • October 25–26 – Ascension Matches (best-of-five finals at Riot Games Arena)

While the group stage matches will be held without a live audience, fans can catch every round streamed from Riot’s Pro Player High Performance Rooms, featuring professional commentary, co-streamers, and guest analysis from VCT EMEA pros. The grand Ascension Matches on October 25 and 26 will bring the action back to the Riot Games Arena for a full production experience with a live crowd.

The Road to VCT EMEA 2026

The stakes are higher than ever this year, with two promotion slots up for grabs instead of one. This expansion marks Riot’s ongoing commitment to fostering competitive Valorant across emerging regions and giving upcoming teams a platform to break into the international scene.

The 2025 Ascension EMEA event not only sets the stage for exciting rivalries but also highlights the growing depth of talent within the Valorant ecosystem. As the countdown to Berlin begins, fans can expect strategic brilliance, clutch moments, and unforgettable plays as these eight teams fight for their place among the elite.


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