Look Sports Media – In a shocking turn of events, Riot Games has disqualified Team RA’AD, the reigning VCL MENA Stage 2 champions, from the highly anticipated Valorant Ascension EMEA 2025 tournament. The decision stems from the organization’s inability to meet the stringent team ownership policies mandated by Riot Games, leaving a trail of shattered dreams in its wake.
The announcement comes as a major blow to the Egyptian squad, especially considering the increased stakes of this year’s Ascension. Following the relegations of APEKS and Gentle Mates, the tournament now offers two coveted promotion slots into the VCT EMEA league for the 2026 season.
Stepping into the void left by Team RA’AD is Joblife, the team with the next-highest Ascension points. This unexpected opportunity has prompted Joblife to reunite its original roster, despite having previously released most of its players after failing to initially qualify for the event.
Related Post
The news has been met with outrage and disappointment from Team RA’AD’s players, who feel robbed of their hard-earned chance to compete on the biggest stage. Yousef "Shniider" Osama expressed his frustration on Twitter, lamenting the sacrifices made and the devastating impact of circumstances beyond their control. He further highlighted the restriction preventing the players from competing orgless or under another banner. Mohamed "shalaby" Shalaby echoed these sentiments, stating that his five-year pursuit of playing on the biggest stages had been abruptly cut short.
While many fans sympathize with the players, Riot Games’ decision underscores the importance of adhering to strict organizational standards, especially with two highly sought-after VCT EMEA spots on the line. The integrity of the competitive ecosystem remains paramount, even if it comes at a significant personal cost.
The revamped Valorant Ascension EMEA format will feature eight teams battling it out in a GSL format, divided into two double-elimination groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Ascension matches, culminating in two best-of-five series played in front of a live audience at the Riot Games arena. These matches will determine which two teams will secure their place in the VCT EMEA league for the 2026 season. However, the format is set for another change next year, with Ascension being cancelled.
This announcement coincides with the confirmation of Valorant Masters London 2026 and upcoming VCT format changes. Notably, Challenger teams will have a direct pathway to qualify for Valorant Champions 2026, bypassing the traditional VCT qualification route.
Leave a Comment