The Valorant Champions Tour EMEA finals are moving to Barcelona for the first time, Riot Games confirmed this week. The event, which crowns the best team in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, had been held in Berlin since the circuit launched in 2021.
Why the change
Riot has not detailed the reasons for the relocation. The move signals a shift in the competitive circuit's geographic focus, though Berlin remains a hub for the league's regular-season matches and team operations. Barcelona will host the finals at a venue yet to be announced.
What's at stake
The VCT EMEA finals determine the region's top seed heading into the Valorant Champions tournament, the game's world championship. Teams from across EMEA compete in a multi-stage league, with the top finishers earning a spot at the global event. The finals typically draw a live audience and millions of online viewers.
Barcelona's esports infrastructure
Barcelona has invested heavily in esports infrastructure in recent years, including the Palau Sant Jordi and other venues that have hosted major gaming events. The city also has a strong Valorant fan base, with local teams like KOI and Giants Gaming competing in the league. The move could also make travel easier for teams based in southern Europe and the Middle East.
No dates for the finals have been announced yet. The VCT EMEA regular season is ongoing, and the finals are expected to take place later this year.
