Eight Teams Set for VCT China Partner Slots in 2027
The reported list includes EDward Gaming, JD Gaming, and Ascension winner Xi Lai Gaming, with four current partners missing out.
Riot Games will reduce the number of partner teams in VCT China from ten to eight for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, according to a report from Sheep Esports.
The outlet, citing sources, reports the expected partner lineup is EDward Gaming, JD Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, TYLOO, All Gamers, Trace Esports, Xi Lai Gaming and Weibo Gaming.
"The list is based on sources cited by Sheep Esports; Riot has not officially confirmed the teams or announced the full details of the China format," the report states.
Xi Lai Gaming is expected to move from a guest slot into the partner group after winning Ascension in 2024.
Sheep Esports reports that the team has played at every international LAN since Masters Toronto 2025.
Weibo Gaming is also expected to return to the partner group after leaving VALORANT and then returning to the scene in early 2026.
Four current partners are reported to miss the next cycle: FunPlus Phoenix, Nova Esports, Titan Esports Club and Wolves Esports.
Wolves is set to miss out despite its surprise showing at Masters Toronto 2025.
Dragon Ranger Gaming, which held a guest slot like XLG, is also reported to have been left out.
EDward Gaming is among the reported partners after winning Champions 2024, which Sheep Esports describes as China’s only international title since the current circuit began.
The first VCT partnership cycle began in 2023 and concludes after the 2026 season.
Riot is set to reduce partner numbers from 10 to eight in China, as in the other regions, while making the 2027 competitive year more open.
The primary report says teams outside the partner group may still qualify for Cups and Masters events by building successful projects.
"The wider relationship between VALORANT’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 scenes remains relevant as Riot moves towards a more open competitive year," the report notes.
Sheep Esports reports that China’s format may differ from those in the other three regions, leaving qualification mechanics unresolved.
The route back for non-partner teams will depend on rules Riot has yet to spell out.
