Riot Games Introduces Studio Upgrades, Pro Player Council Ahead of VCT EMEA Stage 2

Posted : 16 July 2025

With Stage 2 of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA just around the corner, Riot Games has announced a range of significant updates and additions aimed at enhancing both player and fan experiences. These changes follow the conclusion of Stage 1 and are part of Riot's ongoing commitment to refine the competitive ecosystem.

One of the most notable developments is the comprehensive upgrade to Riot’s Berlin-based studio. The enhancements include improved player performance rooms that now simulate stage conditions more accurately. These rooms are equipped with high-performance PCs and upgraded peripherals to ensure optimal preparation and comfort for professional players.

Riot has also teamed up with Herman Miller Gaming, which is now the official chair partner of VCT EMEA. As part of this collaboration, the iconic Embody gaming chair will be featured on the main stage, adding another layer of professional-grade comfort and support for competitors.

These studio improvements were prompted, in part, by technical difficulties that affected Stage 1, where numerous match delays due to technical pauses disrupted the tournament's flow. The upgrades aim to mitigate such issues and provide a more seamless experience moving forward.

Another major initiative is the creation of the Pro Player Council, giving players a direct voice in shaping the league. Each VCT EMEA team will nominate one representative to join the council, which will serve as a structured feedback channel between players and Riot's league operations team. The council's primary mission is to represent players' interests and highlight areas where the league can improve.

Fans watching from home can also look forward to broadcast enhancements starting in Stage 2. Riot is introducing shorter, more focused replays that highlight critical in-game decisions and strategies. Additionally, debuting players will receive custom introduction graphics during the first week of matches, making the broadcast more engaging and informative.

For those attending matches in person at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Riot is launching the VALORANT Anniversary Vernissage, a unique on-site experience celebrating five years of VALORANT. The event will showcase community artwork and offer opportunities for fans to interact with content creators and even participate in show matches.

VCT EMEA Stage 2 action kicks off on August 29, 2025. Matches will be streamed live across Riot’s official Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok channels. Select content creators will also be hosting co-streams, giving fans multiple ways to enjoy Europe’s top-tier VALORANT competition.

These updates mark a new chapter for VCT EMEA, aiming to deliver a more polished, player-centric, and fan-friendly tournament experience.

Riot Games Introduces Studio Upgrades, Pro Player Council Ahead of VCT EMEA Stage 2

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