VALORANT Masters is a series of international tournaments within the official competitive system of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), organized by Riot Games for VALORANT. Masters events bring together the strongest teams from different regions to determine the leaders of the season outside of the world championship.

The Masters format was introduced in 2021 during the first VCT season. Several international events were held that year (including Reykjavík and Berlin), laying the foundation for the modern competitive structure. Since then, Masters has become a key part of the calendar — a major mid-season test before the most important event of the year.

Unlike regional leagues, Masters is always held as an international LAN tournament, where teams represent their leagues (EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and others depending on the season structure).

Why Masters Is Important in the VCT Ecosystem

Masters is more than just another tournament. It plays a significant role in shaping the competitive year:

• VCT Points — Teams earn championship points based on their final placement. These points determine qualification for the world championship, VALORANT Champions.
• International Seeding — Strong performances increase a region’s prestige and may influence future slot distribution.
• Meta Development — Masters often shapes the global meta, as strategies shown on this stage quickly spread worldwide.
• Brand and Player Growth — The event serves as a platform for rising stars and strengthens the status of established players.

Masters acts as a bridge between regional competition and the battle for the world title.

Tournament Format and Qualification

While the exact format may vary slightly each season, several core principles remain consistent:

1. Regional Qualification — Teams qualify through international leagues or Kickoff/Stage events.
2. Group Stage or Swiss Format — Used to determine playoff seeding.
3. Double-Elimination Playoffs — Most Masters events use a lower-bracket system, meaning one loss does not eliminate a team.
4. Grand Final — The top two teams compete for the championship title.

This structure rewards consistency, adaptability, and strategic depth.

Prize Pool and Financial Model

Masters tournaments feature multi-million-dollar prize pools funded by Riot Games. Distribution typically follows performance-based placement:

• The champion receives the largest share.
• Runner-up and semifinalists earn smaller portions.
• All participating teams receive base compensation.

In recent seasons, Riot has introduced in-game cosmetic bundles tied to international events. A portion of the revenue from these sales may be shared with partnered organizations, contributing to the financial sustainability of the ecosystem.

Beyond direct prize money, teams benefit from:

• Increased sponsor visibility
• Higher merchandise sales
• Expansion of international fanbases

The Evolution of Masters

Since its launch in 2021, the Masters format has evolved:

• Transition from multiple events per season to a streamlined structure with two major international tournaments.
• Introduction of partnered leagues in 2023 (EMEA, Americas, Pacific).
• Larger production scale, including arena events with live audiences.
• A more structured competitive calendar aligned with Champions qualification.

Each season has refined the format, making Masters one of the most polished international esports events.

Masters vs. Champions: What’s the Difference?

Although both are international events, their roles differ:

• Masters — A major mid-season tournament awarding VCT points and prestige.
• Champions — The final event of the year that crowns the world champion.

In simple terms, Masters identifies contenders, while Champions determines the ultimate winner of the season.

VALORANT Masters is a cornerstone of the VCT calendar. Since its introduction in 2021, it has become a central element of the competitive ecosystem. International qualification, significant prize pools, VCT points, and global prestige make it one of the most important tournaments of the year.

It is not just another event — it is where regional champions are tested globally and where future world contenders prove their level.