Razer becomes VCT EMEA’s official gaming chair partner

Riot Games has revealed gaming hardware company Razer will serve as the designated gaming chair supplier for both VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA.

This extensive agreement, covering 2026 and 2027, mandates the deployment of the Razer Iskur V2 gaming chair on main stages, in coaching areas, and co-streaming setups throughout every event.

This particular gaming chair is recognized for its advanced ‘adaptive and customizable 6D lumbar support system,’ engineered to offer enhanced comfort and stability for competitors during gameplay.

“We are thrilled to bring Razer into our fold, guaranteeing that our athletes remain comfortable, adequately outfitted, and perform optimally throughout the entire year,” stated VCT EMEA in a formal announcement.

In addition to Razer, Riot Games has formalized collaborations with KitKat, Red Bull, and Sony INZONE within the past year for VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA.

The hardware manufacturer is a familiar entity within the esports landscape, having previously partnered with numerous tournament organizers, professional athletes, and gaming collectives.

Recently, Razer finalized alliance agreements with Respawn for the ALGS Year 5 Championship and with the French esports group Karmine Corp.

Historically, the enterprise has also collaborated with League of Legends icon Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok to release a mouse mat, and partnered with Riot Games for 2XKO-inspired accessories.

The 2026 VCT EMEA circuit will commence with ten established organizations and two Ascension teams facing off at Kickoff, where three qualification spots for VALORANT Masters Santiago will be contested.

Subsequently, Stage 1 will ensue, during which teams will contend for Masters London entry, an event that will determine the second global champion of the season.

Stage 2, partially hosted in Madrid, signifies the culminating regional VCT EMEA competition for the year. The highest-performing teams, determined by their tournament outcomes and cumulative Championship Points, will thereafter advance to VALORANT Champions Shanghai.

Furthermore, Riot Games plans to discontinue VCT Ascension in all territories, including EMEA, effective this year. In its place, elite Challengers squads will receive direct advancement to the recently established Play-In stage during VCT Stage 2. 

Conversely, the 2026 Game Changers EMEA series will encompass a Kickoff event, succeeded by Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3. The season will culminate with the prestigious Game Changers Championship, though its venue remains undisclosed.

Additionally, GC EMEA Stage 1 and Stage 2 are scheduled to take place virtually, whereas Stage 3 is anticipated to be a blended event culminating in an in-person Grand Final.

Each Game Changers competition will host 10 teams, with the leading organizations from every tournament progressing to the subsequent phase. Concurrently, teams with lower standings will participate in promotion and relegation contests following Stage 1 and Stage 2.

Riot Games has also launched localized Cash Cups, accessible to both top-tier and second-tier teams, enabling competitors to acquire consistent prize funds and qualify for GC EMEA 3 Play-Ins, mirroring the VCT structure.