Sources: Crazy Raccoon have been selected as a VCT Pacific partner team for the 2027-2028 cycle

Crazy Raccoon will be a VCT Pacific Partner Team for the 2027-2028 cycle, marking their return to top-tier VALORANT, sources tell Sheep Esports. The Japanese organization has built its identity around its home country, guided by its slogan, “Make gamers look cool”. It has also embraced an unusual business model, becoming sponsor-free after ending its final sponsorship agreement with GALERIA.

Beyond VALORANT, Crazy Raccoon have established themselves across several competitive titles, including Apex Legends, Fortnite, Super Smash Bros., and Overwatch. While the organization has not maintained an active VALORANT division in recent years, it previously competed on the international stage, attending Masters Reykjavík and Masters Berlin in 2021 before qualifying for Champions that same year.

Its return to VCT Pacific will therefore mark a new chapter for an organization that already has experience competing at the highest level, despite reportedly not making it into the previous license cycle.

The VALORANT Tier 1 circuit will undergo major changes in 2027, with the number of partner teams reduced from ten to eight across Pacific, EMEA, Americas, and China. The circuit will also adopt an open format, although partnership will continue to offer significant benefits.

Partner teams will receive a base payment and keep the revenue generated by their in-game team capsules. They will also secure a place in Kickoff, scheduled to run in Bangkok, Thailand, from January 14 to February 7, and bypass the opening rounds of the Open Qualifiers for the Cups, which replace the previous Stage tournaments.

These Cups will determine qualification for international events. The first Pacific Cup will take place in Manila, Philippines, from April 29 to May 23, followed by the second in Tokyo, Japan, from August 5 to 29. Meanwhile, Seoul, South Korea, will host the year's first Masters from February 20 to May 3.

Crazy Raccoon are more than just an esports organization; they have built an entire ecosystem around competition, content creation, and entertainment. Their competitive divisions span multiple titles, including both PC and mobile games such as Brawl Stars. However, their influence extends well beyond the competitive scene, with the organization also establishing a strong presence in Japan’s streaming and entertainment industries.

One of the ways Crazy Raccoon have expanded their reach is through events such as the Crazy Raccoon Cup, which brings together professional players and content creators from across the gaming scene. These events allow the organization to reach audiences beyond individual competitive titles, building a community around its brand rather than relying solely on tournament results. Their own fan club further strengthens that relationship, giving supporters another way to engage with the organization. This combination of competition, entertainment, and community engagement has become a defining part of Crazy Raccoon’s identity.

As previously mentioned, Crazy Raccoon are no stranger to international VALORANT competition. The organization competed at Masters Reykjavík and Masters Berlin in 2021 before qualifying for Champions later that year, gaining valuable experience against some of the world's best teams. Although its competitive division eventually became inactive, those early international appearances helped establish Crazy Raccoon as one of Japan’s recognizable names in the VALORANT scene.

Joining VCT Pacific would give the organization an opportunity to return to the highest level of competition while bringing its established brand, creator network, and strong ties to the Japanese esports scene to a wider audience. Its presence could also help connect the league with fans who already follow Crazy Raccoon through its other competitive divisions and entertainment projects.

The move would further strengthen Japan’s representation in VCT Pacific, adding another organization with an established local fanbase. Given Crazy Raccoon’s experience in both competitive esports and large-scale community events, their contribution could extend beyond their results in the server. However, questions remain about how the organization will rebuild their VALORANT division. their previous roster was composed almost entirely of Japanese players, reflecting the structure of the domestic scene at the time.

With VCT Pacific now serving as the region's top-tier league, Crazy Raccoon could choose to maintain that identity or build a more internationally diverse roster. Either approach would give the organization a chance to establish a new identity in a competitive landscape that has changed considerably since its last international appearance.