VCT EMEA Stage 2 is on the horizon, and Valorant Esports in the region has revealed quite a few new things coming with the next stage that are geared toward improving the VCT experience for both pro players and fans.
To start with, new upgrades are coming behind the curtains, ensuring that Stage 2 runs smoothly and pro players are able to focus on their matches.
This starts with the Pro Player Performance Rooms, which are where players prepare for on-stage matches. So far, the peripherals have been upgraded, and Valorant Esports EMEA is committing to upgrading the PCs before the 2026 competitive season.
This also includes adding Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chairs to the main stage, giving pro players the ability to hone in on their gameplay without worrying about comfort.
Valorant Esports EMEA is also focused on getting feedback from pro players to help improve the league. A new VCT EMEA Pro Player Council will help do this with meetings between a nominated player from every team. There will also be a chat server for all the nominated players.
While the above changes are specifically focused on pro players in the ecosystem, the following changes are meant more for fans and viewers.
From the fan’s side, the broadcast audio setup has been upgraded. This will make a difference for fans tuning in, whether that’s on official streams or co-streams from other streamers. Other changes in broadcasting are planned for the future, too.
The audio quality isn’t all that’s changing here. The broadcasts themselves will be improved, particularly between the casters, observers, and the replay system. The goal is to create replays that get to the point in a clear and concise way to highlight what happened and the strategies used for fans.
To keep viewers engaged and knowledgeable, there will be new Week 1 player introductions. These will feature debuting players with custom graphics that discuss their stats and facts about the players.
Additionally, new music is coming with the VCT EMEA broadcast that is focused on summer with Stage 2.
Last but not least are the changes coming to the actual on-site events. Valorant is celebrating its five-year anniversary this year, and Stage 2 of the VCT EMEA league will include a fan experience called the Valorant Anniversary Vernissage.
This will be a fan art exhibition to celebrate the game a week before Stage 2 begins. It’ll be held at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, and it’ll feature community art, free snacks and drinks, and one-versus-one showdowns at competitive stations.
These showdowns will be against popular Valorant creators, like Harmii and Jessydelua.
While the new Stage 2 details are hyper-focused on specific groups and areas of the VCT EMEA, they’ll all contribute to a smoother experience for everyone involved.
For more on Valorant Esports, check out the details for Champions Paris later this year and the big win for Team Heretics at the Esports World Cup 2025.
