VALORANT : EMEA Ascension Returns to Berlin, Game Changers Back in Istanbul

On Thursday, June 18, Riot Games and VALORANT Esports announced the return of two Tier 2 LAN events for the EMEA region. Just like in 2024, EMEA Ascension will take place in Berlin from October 19 to 26, with a new format but still offering a spot in the VCT EMEA for the winner. And as in the previous season, the Game Changers EMEA Split 3 finals will return to Istanbul on November 2.

The EMEA Ascension 2025 will take place from October 19 to 26 at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. With a revised format switching to a six-team double elimination bracket, the initial matches will be played as best-of-three series, before moving to best-of-five for the Lower Bracket Final and the Grand Final. "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", stated Riot Games in the Press Release.

Notably, only the final will be held in front of a live audience, while the earlier matches will be played on LAN in the "Pro Player High Performance Rooms". "These rooms are currently being refurbished, with upgraded PCs and other equipment to ensure they meet the standards required for official matches," Riot explained to Sheep Esports.

Riot has also revealed how teams can qualify for this next-generation Ascension. One spot will go to the winner of Stage 3 of the EMEA Challengers, while three more spots will be awarded to the top teams from the Ascension circuit. The final two slots will depend on the performance of Apeks and Gentle Mates during Stage 2 of the VCT EMEA. Depending on whether these teams manage to retain their place at the top level, need to play in Ascension to keep their spot, or are relegated outright, the remaining possible places will be allocated based on the Ascension circuit rankings.

To automatically retain their place in the VCT EMEA league, Apeks and Gentle Mates must qualify for VALORANT Champions in Paris. Doing so would allow them to bypass the Ascension tournament entirely.

However, if both teams qualify for Champions, only the higher-placing roster at the event will secure their spot in Tier 1. The lower-placing team will be relegated to Ascension. In the event of identical finishes, a tiebreaker will be applied—evaluated in the following order: total Championship Points, Stage 2 placement, Stage 1 placement, and finally, Kickoff placement. The relegated squad would then be joined in Ascension by the fourth-ranked Tier 2 team based on Ascension Circuit Points to complete the six-team bracket.

If neither team reaches Champions, they still have a path to Ascension. Qualification can be secured by either making the Stage 2 Playoffs or finishing in the top eight overall (including tied 8th) in Championship Points. Should one or both teams meet these criteria, they’ll enter Ascension as the first or second seed, with a shot at reclaiming their place in VCT EMEA.

In this scenario, no additional Tier 2 team would qualify—unless only one of Apeks or Gentle Mates secures a Playoffs berth or a top-eight Championship Points finish. If that occurs, the final Ascension slot would go to the fourth-ranked Tier 2 team on the Ascension Circuit Points leaderboard.

Finally, if both teams fail to meet any of the outlined criteria, their spots will be awarded to the fourth- and fifth-ranked Tier 2 squads in the standings, ensuring that two new teams will rise to VCT EMEA in 2026.

The final of Stage 3 of Game Changers EMEA will take place on November 2 at Istanbul's ESA Arena, returning to the same venue where G2 Gozen defeated GIANTX GC last year. The two best teams in the region will face off in a best-of-five grand final. The winner of the final, as well as the two teams from the EMEA region with the highest number of points on the 2025 GC circuit, will qualify for the Game Changers Championship. Tickets for the final will go on sale in the coming weeks, according to the Riot Games press release.

The VCT EMEA GC Stage 2 final will take place this Thursday evening, featuring Karmine Corp GC and GIANTX. The Blue Wall players will be looking to defend their title against the very team they sent to the lower bracket final on Tuesday — a team that earned its shot at revenge by defeating SK Nebula on Wednesday. Regardless of the outcome in Istanbul, KC are therefore already in a strong position to secure a spot at the Championship.