Sheep Esports has reported that it is anticipated that eight organizations will form partnerships with VCT China for the years 2027 and 2028, as Riot Games is set to decrease the count of partner teams from 10 to eight within its various regions.
The anticipated roster includes EDward Gaming, JD Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, TYLOO, All Gamers, Trace Esports, Xi Lai Gaming, and Weibo Gaming. This compilation of teams is derived from sources referenced by Sheep Esports; however, Riot has yet to issue an official confirmation regarding the teams or disclose detailed information about the structure of the China format.
XLG and Weibo among anticipated new entrants
Xi Lai Gaming is believed to be transitioning from a guest position to joining the partner collective following their victory in Ascension during 2024. Reports from Sheep Esports indicate that this team has participated in every international LAN event starting from Masters Toronto in 2025.
Moreover, Weibo Gaming is also expected to make a return to the circle. This organization did not manage to secure a partnership slot in 2023 and subsequently exited the VALORANT scene before making a comeback in early 2026.
Four existing partners are projected to be absent in the upcoming cycle: FunPlus Phoenix, Nova Esports, Titan Esports Club, and Wolves Esports. Dragon Ranger Gaming, which occupied a guest slot similar to XLG, is also predicted to be excluded.
The anticipated modifications would alter which organizations hold partner status. However, losing that status does not inherently eliminate a team’s pathway to significant events. The overall dynamics between VALORANT’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 landscapes maintain a significant role as Riot progresses toward a more transparent competitive season.
A reduced partner pool with open avenues ahead
The inaugural VCT partnership cycle commenced in 2023 and is set to conclude following the 2026 season. Riot plans to minimize the number of partners in China from 10 to eight, paralleling changes in other regions, while the competitive landscape for 2027 is projected to become increasingly accessible. The primary report indicates that teams outside the partner circle could still earn qualification for Cups and Masters events through the development of successful initiatives.
EDward Gaming is listed among the supposed partners having clinched the Champions 2024 title, which Sheep Esports refers to as China’s singular international championship since the inception of the current circuit. Conversely, Wolves is slated to miss out despite their unexpected performance at Masters Toronto 2025. The current standings of Chinese organizations within competitive play also inform the reported changes in partnerships.
The pathway for teams that are not partners seeking to return will rely on regulations from Riot that have yet to be outlined. Sheep Esports suggests that the format in China might vary from those in the other three regions, leaving qualification mechanics uncertain; thus, the lineup should be considered a report rather than an official announcement from Riot.
