Two teams have made it into the VCT: EMEA through the Ascension tournament. But even one of the relegated teams hasn’t really been relegated – and there’s drama surrounding all of them.
So far, the newcomers to VCT: EMEA have not been able to make a name for themselves: Gentle Mates and Apeks have been unsuccessful after two years on Europe’s biggest Valorant stage and are even ridiculed in some quarters. Now two new teams can try to do better: PCIFIC Esports and ULF Esports.
Former partner buys PCIFIC Esports players
PCIFIC Esports’ victory in the Ascension tournament came as no surprise to anyone: since its defeat in the 2024 final against Apeks, the team has dominated the Turkish league, the strongest regional league in the EMEA region, and won the first Challengers EMEA tournament.
This was not only due to the good work of the organization itself. Immediately after the final defeat, BBL Esports announced its partnership with PCIFIC Esports and provided financial support. With the promotion, this cooperation is now forced to end.
A separation that plays into the hands of BBL Esports: The entire PCIFIC Esports roster has moved there, meaning that the promoted team will have to start the season with five new players. The situation sparked debate among fans, but Riot Games found no rule violations after investigating.
ULF Esports: From Premier to VCT in just one year
It seems surreal that ULF Esports will be playing in the VCT: EMEA just over a year and a half after its founding. In its short existence, the Turkish organization has already celebrated more successes than many established giants: promotion to the Turkish league in March, silver medals in the second and third Challengers splits, victory in the third Challenger tournament, and victory in the Ascension tournament.
The organization is almost a blank slate: in addition to its Valorant division, ULF Esports is active in League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends Bang Bang. The latter was its first step into esports in September 2024. Now, the team seems to want to establish itself as a Turkish powerhouse, relying primarily on individual strength so far.
What seems like a fairy tale has a downside: the news site Sheep Esports reported that ULF Esports had delayed payments to players and that some player salaries were still outstanding. Founder Onuralp Mehmet Kurt denied all allegations in a post on X.
Gentle Mates remains in the league despite relegation
In addition to the two promoted teams, former Ascension winner Gentle Mates will also remain in the VCT: EMEA, despite failing to avoid relegation. Following the disqualification of Spanish organization KOI, Riot Games added Gentle Mates to its partner program, which secures a spot in Europe’s top league.
The first tournament of the new season is the Kickoff Tournament, which begins on January 20 with the Turkish duel between PCIFIC Esports and BBL Esports. The top three teams will qualify for the first Masters tournament of the year, starting on February 28 in Santiago.
