The Esports Advocate has learned that Valorant was seriously being considered for inclusion in this year’s Esports World Cup. While sources tell us that teams within the Valorant professional esports ecosystem pushed Riot Games hard for the game to be included in the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, event taking place this summer, other sources say that it was not included due to scheduling conflicts, as the competitive schedule was already finalized. The competitive calendars for both Teamfight Tactics and League of Legends were a little more flexible, which is why they were included, according to our sources.
TEA understands that Riot has a one-year contract with the Esports World Cup Foundation for Teamfight Tactics and League of Legends, and is taking a wait-and-see attitude, based on how those games are received by the public and perform on the international stage. As of this writing, no decision has been made one way or the other on Valorant being a part of the Esports World Cup in 2025 or beyond.
Riot announced its participation in the Esports World Cup at the end of March, revealing that its popular autobattler title Teamfight Tactics and its MOBA title League of Legends would have a presence at the eight-week event.
At the time, Riot said:
“At the Esports World Cup, TFT and League join 20+ of the other largest games on the planet to create a new gaming experience for players around the world. These cross-game, cross-genre esports events are unique moments for fans of all types of games to come together. In particular, we’ve heard from players in MENA, as well as Rioters who live and work there, about how meaningful it is to have the opportunity to see their favorite teams from across the world compete live at a major tournament in their region. We believe that supporting these types of experiences is an important part of delivering on our mission to make it better to be a player.”
In late May, the Esports World Cup Foundation revealed the teams from the LPL, LCK, LEC, and LCS that would be taking part in the event. Representing LCS are FlyQuest and Team Liquid; for LEC, G2 Esports and Fnatic; for LPL, Bilibili Gaming and Top Esports; and for LCK, Gen.G Esports and T1. Selected teams earned the right to participate in the Esports World Cup by winning or placing second in their respective league Spring Finals (LCS Spring 2024, LEC Spring 2024, LPL Spring 2024, and LCK Spring 2024).
The Esports World Cup is funded by a grant from the Saudi Arabian government. Competitions are being facilitated by ESL FACEIT Group, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Savvy Games Group. Savvy is owned by the Saudi government-run Public Investment Fund. EFG is home to tournament organizer ESL, competition platform FACEIT, and esports and gaming festival company DreamHack.