Riot Games has announced that the EMEA Valorant season will conclude later this year with Ascension and the Game Changers Stage 3 Finals taking place in Berlin and Istanbul.
VCT Ascension EMEA 2025 will take place from 19–26 October at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, featuring a streamlined format and a full LAN setup. The competition will determine which Tier 2 team earns a coveted spot in VCT EMEA next season.
“From October 19–26, the action unfolds live from the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. All matches will be played on LAN, ensuring a level playing field and peak competitive intensity,” Riot confirmed. “The tournament will culminate in a Grand Final on stage in front of a live audience, while the earlier rounds will be played from our Pro Player High Performance Rooms. With everything to play for, these teams are fighting not just for victory, but also for a chance to call Berlin home next season.
“This year, we expanded the Tier 2 ecosystem through Challengers EMEA, providing more teams the platform to prove themselves against the very best. Now, with VCT Ascension EMEA on the horizon, we’re raising the bar even higher. To ensure only the best of the best reach the next level, we’ve streamlined the Ascension format, reducing the number of qualifying teams from ten to six. That means tougher competition and less room for error.”
The qualification process includes slots based on Challengers results, circuit points, and outcomes involving VCT teams Apeks and Gentle Mates.
Meanwhile, Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 Finals return to ESA Arena in Istanbul on 2 November, following last year’s successful debut in Turkey.
“The community showed up in full force, delivering an unforgettable atmosphere that matched the moment. So this year… we’re doing it again.”
The road to Istanbul begins on September 30, culminating in a best-of-five Grand Final with major championship implications.
Ticket details for both events will be announced soon on Riot’s official social channels.
