Can Riot keep up with the need for prize pool upgrades?
VALORANT Champions 2023 set its highest VCT prize pool to date.
When the confirmation of a record-breaking prize pool came to light, the VALORANT community rejoiced.
However, the upgrade also acts as a catalyst for higher expectations for future VCT events.
This year marks the third iteration of VALORANT Champions and it boastsa whopping $2.25 million prize pool.
It is more than the prize pool of VALORANT Champions 2021 and VALORANT Champions 2022 combined.
That means the victor of Champions this year will walk away with $1 million in the bank.
Previous iterations of VALORANT Champions only featured a $1 million prize pool.
This looked good for the game in its early esports scene.
The move created a much bigger question for the future of VCT prize pools.
Can Riot Games keep up with the expectation of a higher prize pool every year?
Its entirely natural for developers to break prize pool records for their biggest tournament annually.
Undoubtedly, Riot is more than capable to keep the prize pool trend on an upward trajectory.
VALORANTs Champion bundle shows the potential that it can be at par with Dota 2 if given the chance.
As of now, 50% of the totalChampions bundle saleare equally distributed to teams participating in VALORANT Champions.
This is on top of the declared prize pool provided by Riot.
For teams, a higher prize pool means more pressure and more hunger for the title.
For fans, it means more nail-biting matchups.
Riot has made significant investments in developing its esports scene.
Back in 2022, Riot released its partnership program.
A total of 10 teams from each region were selected and given a direct invite to the regional leagues.
In addition to this, teams were granted stipends of at least $600,000.
Teams in the international leagues will receive financial support from Riot Games.
The selection process was highly competitive.
The process involved three stages, namely a written app, intensive interviews, and financial evaluations.
Riot also looked for partners who prioritize long-term sustainability and development.
VALORANT introduced Premier, an in-game mode that mimics a competitive tournament environment for casual and aspiring pro players.
Riot also forgoes the entry and participation fee for partnered teams this year.
Partnership programs may not be the best path for these teams who struggle with Riots extensive requirements.
The resources needed to qualify for the program are strenuous despite the waiver of fees.
