VCT Ascension EMEA 2025: Two grand finals, new broadcast approach, and more

Starting October 18, VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Ascension EMEA kicks off—and for the first time ever, two teams will join the big leagues in the VCT 2026 season. The event features a revamped format with two Grand Finals and a new broadcast approach designed to bring the community closer to the action and the future stars of VCT.

This year, Riot is leveling up the tournament by welcoming EMEA’s top prospects and rising talents to the Riot Games Arena in Berlin for a full LAN event.

Format and Featured teams

Eight teams have emerged from the VCT Challengers EMEA circuit and qualified for Ascension. For the first time, two Tier 1 spots are on the line—meaning two of the eight teams will be promoted to VCT EMEA 2026.

The teams will be separated into two groups of four and will compete in a GSL format featuring best-of-threes. That means a double-elimination format where teams face others with the same win/loss record. If a team wins two matches, they’ll qualify for an Ascension match. On the other hand, if a team loses twice, their season is over. Since four teams advance, this year’s event will feature two Bo5 Grand Finals. The winner of each final secures a spot in VCT EMEA 2026.

Group Stage matches will take place in the Pro Player High Performance Rooms at the Riot Games Arena and will be broadcast exclusively on livestreams. The top two teams from each group will make it to the Ascension matches—and take the main stage in front of a live audience.

Dates and times

VCT Ascension EMEA will kick off on Saturday, October 18, with the two Ascension Matches set to take place on October 25 and October 26.

Full Schedule

• October 18: Group Stage Day 1 - two Bo3s (Group A)
• October 19: Group Stage Day 2 - two Bo3s (Group B)
• October 20: Group Stage Day 3 - two Bo3s (Loser matches of both groups)
• October 21: Group Stage Day 4 - two Bo3s (Winner matches of both groups)
• October 22: Group Stage Day 5 - two Bo3s (Decider matches of both groups)
• October 23-24: Dark Days (No matches)
• October 25: First Ascension Match - one Bo5
• October 26: Second Ascension Match - one Bo5

Times

Map pool

All matches will be played on patch 11.07 with the following map pool:

• Abyss
• Ascent
• Bind
• Corrode
• Haven
• Lotus
• Sunset

New Broadcast approach

For the group stage matches in the player rooms, Riot is switching things up with a casual couch broadcast setup for the on-air talent. Expect unique pre-match segments and interactive content to create a more immersive stream to get fans more involved.

Special guests—including co-streamers, Ascension players, team staff, and VCT EMEA pros—will join the broadcast to engage and entertain the community. Casters will also get more screen time, hanging out on the couch before and after matches.

For the two final Ascension matches, the traditional broadcast setup returns—live from the Riot Games Arena in front of fans.

Tickets

Tickets for both Ascension Finals (October 25 & 26) are already up for grabs. After the last match of the group stages, Riot will release a limited number of extra tickets for those who missed out on the first sale. The additional tickets will go on sale at 3pm CEST on October 23.

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Featured Image Source: Riot Games.