VCT EMEA invites 10 teams to apply for MKOI replacement in franchise

Riot Games has started the process of selecting a new organization to join the VCT EMEA franchise, following the removal of Movistar KOI (MKOI) from the lineup of teams. The company has invited 10 organizations with established ties to VALORANT’s EMEA circuit to apply for the open spot.

VCT EMEA Open Slot Application Process

The current selection is invite-only: all candidates have been chosen based on their previous involvement with VALORANT esports, including visitor teams and squads that have featured in Ascension. Riot’s evaluation process uses the same standards as the original 2023 partnership selections, including competitive operations, fan engagement, marketing capacity, and overall readiness for league participation.

According to Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports EMEA:

"Our goal is to find an organization that can help grow the sport and have a meaningful impact on the ecosystem next year."

Ringland himself also declared that the team that is ultimately chosen to join the VCT EMEA will be announced in October.

MKOI’s Removal Explained

Movistar KOI was removed from the franchise after failing to meet partnership obligations. The most significant issue was a breach of contract related to co-streaming commitments, primarily around required appearances from co-founder Ibai Llanos, and failure to achieve targets for content, engagement, and in-game item sales.

Despite earlier warnings during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, these issues remained unresolved, resulting in a one-day notice of termination ahead of the public announcement. The release affected only KOI's VALORANT franchise roster; academy squads remain active outside the VCT. More details can be found in our complete article talking about what happened.

What’s Next for VCT EMEA

In summary, all of MKOI's players have been released as free agents and can sign with new teams under an exceptional transfer policy. The VCT EMEA structure remains unchanged, with 12 slots and room for two promoted Ascension teams. Community discussion is already speculating about which organizations might fill the gap, with teams like Gentle Mates and Team Falcons mentioned by fans, though no candidates are confirmed by Riot.

As VCT EMEA prepares to welcome a new partner, Riot’s invite-only process demonstrates a continued commitment to stable, competitive, and community-engaged organizations. The outcome of this selection will help shape the league for the coming season, with more information expected next month.

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Feature image credits: Riot Games

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