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VCT China’s upcoming partnership cycle will see a reshuffling of slots among top organizations. Sheep Esports has revealed that Riot Games is expected to partner with eight organizations for the 2027-2028 season: EDward Gaming, JD Gaming, Bilibili Gaming, TYLOO, All Gamers, Trace Esports, Xi Lai Gaming, and Weibo Gaming. While this list is not officially confirmed by Riot, it indicates a reduction in partners from ten to eight.
The changes are more about strategic adjustments rather than a complete overhaul: six existing partners are likely to retain their positions, XLG is anticipated to move from a guest slot to a full partner, and Weibo Gaming is set to rejoin the partnered group. On the other hand, FunPlus Phoenix, Nova Esports, Titan Esports Club, and Wolves Esports are expected to lose their long-term partner status, although this does not necessarily mean they will be excluded from Riot competitions.
Continuity, with two new seats at the table
EDward Gaming stands out as a key player in this lineup. Their victory at the 2024 VALORANT World Championship, the only international title claimed by a Chinese team in recent years, solidifies their position as a competitive force deserving of continued partnership with Riot.
Xi Lai Gaming, known as XLG, is expected to make a significant leap forward. Following their triumph at China Ascension in 2024 and consistent participation in international LAN events since Masters Toronto 2025, their transition from guest to partner status will provide them with greater stability and recognition within the industry.
TYLOO and JD Gaming are also poised to maintain their partnership status after their successful qualification for VALORANT Champions Shanghai. Their recent achievements add to the argument for continuity, while Bilibili Gaming, All Gamers, and Trace Esports complete the six organizations reportedly retaining their current positions.
The addition of Weibo Gaming to the expected lineup is noteworthy. Despite mixed results upon their return to VALORANT in early 2026, the organization has made strategic moves, including appointing Milan de Meij as head coach, formerly of Fnatic. While Riot’s planned VCT changes for 2027 lay the groundwork for this reshuffle, the reported roster for China is not yet official.
Wolves are out of the partner picture, not necessarily the circuit
Among the anticipated departures are FunPlus Phoenix, Nova Esports, Titan Esports Club, and Wolves Esports. Wolves, in particular, gained attention for their surprising performance at Masters Toronto 2025. Additionally, Dragon Ranger Gaming, which held a guest slot like XLG, is reported to have missed out on selection.
Losing a partnership means forfeiting a long-term position within the structure, but it does not automatically imply exclusion from VALORANT competitions. Non-partner teams could still qualify for Cups and even Masters by demonstrating success in their endeavors, although the specific format in China may differ from other regions. This distinction underscores the importance of earning a place through merit rather than relying on guaranteed partnership slots.
This delineation is integral to the broader VCT framework and the relationship between partnered teams and Tier 2 contenders. Partnered status offers a different level of security compared to qualifying through competition, and the reported list sheds light on this distinction within the Chinese esports landscape.
Selection logic remains a question mark
Rumors circulating on Weibo suggest that an organization’s involvement in League of Legends may have influenced Riot’s selection process. However, this remains unconfirmed, and the reported lineup introduces complexities to this theory, noting that Trace Esports and TYLOO are not currently active in the League of Legends scene.
While certain observations may lend credence to the speculation, such as XLG’s recent entry into China’s Tier 2 League of Legends competition and Weibo’s history in the LPL, these are contextual details rather than confirmed selection criteria. The reasons behind the selection of these eight organizations remain undisclosed.
The initial VCT partnership cycle, initiated in 2023 and set to conclude after the 2026 season, is undergoing changes with the reduction of partners from ten to eight across various regions. The upcoming season is expected to be more open and subject to format adjustments. While Riot’s evolving esports partnership model highlights the competitive landscape, the specifics of China’s new format have yet to be officially confirmed.
In summary, the expected beneficiaries of these changes are the six continuing partners, XLG, and Weibo. Notable exclusions include Wolves and Dragon Ranger Gaming, as well as FPX, Nova, and TEC. The next crucial step is Riot’s official announcement of the China partnership list and the detailed format for 2027, which will provide clarity on how non-partnered teams can pursue opportunities to participate in Cups and Masters events.