The Verizon VALORANT Game Changers North America circuit returns for 2025 with an exciting new structure and expanded opportunities for aspiring players. In collaboration with Raidiant, Riot Games has unveiled a year-long roadmap of competitive and thrilling matches.
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What’s New in 2025?
Building on the success of previous Game Changers events, the 2025 season introduces a refined format and additional resources to support players and teams. The season will feature three Main Events and the highly anticipated Game Changers Championship, creating a competitive structure that balances accessibility with high-stakes competition.
2025 Verizon VCT Game Changers NA Schedule
NA Game Changer Schedule (Credit: Riot Games)
The competitive calendar for 2025 includes:
- Kickoff Tournament: February 2025
- A double-elimination open bracket that determines the top 16 teams advancing to Main Event 1.
- Main Event 1: April 2025
- Sixteen teams battle it out in a double-elimination bracket.
- Main Event 2: July 2025
- The top four teams from Main Event 1 automatically qualify, joined by 12 teams from open qualifiers.
- Main Event 3: September 2025
- The top four teams from Main Event 2 automatically qualify, with 12 more advancing through open qualifiers.
- Game Changers Championship: November 2025
- The culmination of the season brings together top teams from North America and around the world to compete for the championship title.
Increased Prize Pool
2025 Season Prize Pool
Going to 2025, Riot Games has decided to reward players by increasing the prize pool reward to $150,000, ensuring that every stage of the competition gets the reward it deserves. The stakes have never been higher for teams aiming to reach the top of competitive Valorant.
Path to the Game Changers Championship
To ensure equality, Riot Games is refining the Game Changers Championship process. Only the top teams will represent North America on the global stage. The top three teams with the most circuit points across the three Main Events will earn automatic passe, alongside the reigning champions from the 2024 Game Changers Championship.
Raidiant Academy: Supporting Future Stars
Alongside the Game Changers circuit, the Raidiant Academy continues bringing new talent to North America. The Academy’s success in helping players grow was clear in 2024, with several players moving into professional teams.
For 2025, the Raidiant Academy will host five standalone tournaments known as Series, providing emerging players with opportunities to gain experience and exposure. Here’s the schedule for the Raidiant Academy Series:
- Series 201: March 2025
- Series 202: May 2025
- Series 203: June 2025
- Series 204: October 2025
- Series 205: December 2025
These tournaments will follow a GSL group stage format, culminating in a single-elimination bracket. While the Series events will not award circuit points, they offer prize money and the chance for players to showcase their potential to scouts and teams.
Key Highlights for 2025
- Expanded Broadcast Coverage: Over 60 days of live matches, ensuring fans can follow the action throughout the year.
- Enhanced Qualification Pathways: A Kickoff Tournament ensures a fair and balanced start to the season.
- Commitment to Security: Player verification via AnyKey underscores Riot Games’ dedication to fair play.
- Support for Rising Talent: Raidiant Academy continues to serve as a gateway for new players entering the competitive scene.
Aspiring Future Season
The 2025 season of Verizon VALORANT Game Changers NA promises to be the most exciting yet. With increased opportunities for players, a more competitive structure, and enhanced talent development support, VALORANT esports’s future looks brighter than ever.
Stay tuned as the season unfolds, and don’t miss a moment of the action on Raidiant’s official Twitch channels!
