Introducing the VCT Americas International League

Sep 21, 2022

As we head into 2023, the International League ecosystem is set to showcase the fiercest VALORANT competition from top teams around the world. With new VCT leagues hosting international and regional events, mixing the myth of current superstars with ascending legends in the making, the future of VALORANT esports has never been brighter.

The VCT Americas International League brings together 10 leading organizations from North America, Latin America, and Brazil to compete for the regional championship in Los Angeles. To get here, we embarked upon a months-long selection process that involved a written application, several in-depth interviews and detailed financial reviews. The process was incredibly competitive, and we were humbled by the interest and the overwhelming number of applications we received.

Ultimately, we looked for three things in our new partners for VCT Americas:

• Organizations who share our values of always putting fans first, celebrate our diverse community, and are committed to supporting pros
• Organizations who have created a strong connection with fans through engaging content, a compelling brand, and an exciting roster
• Organizations who build for the long-term, with a focus on sustainability

While we will always respect and celebrate past competitive performance, it was not a key consideration in our selection process. Instead, we focused on an organization’s ability to create the most compelling VCT for fans in the future. We firmly believe each of these 10 teams represent the core values of the VALORANT esports ecosystem, and are committed to the evolution of the best FPS competition in the world.

And now, we’re excited to introduce the teams joining the VCT Americas International League!

Meet the teams!

• 100 Thieves: An organization positioned squarely at the intersection of esports, lifestyle and entertainment, 100 Thieves has become a staple of North American esports since its founding in 2017. Led by former-pro-turned-CEO Matt “Nadeshot” Haag, 100T has redefined what an esports brand can be, leveraging top content creators, stylish apparel and competitive investment to cement itself into popular culture. By seeking to earn what is never given, 100 Thieves continue to create unique and diverse campaigns that exemplify the heart of VALORANT.


• Cloud9: Founded in 2013, Cloud9 is one of the most recognizable esports brands in the world. The sky blue colors of C9 are synonymous with North American greatness on the international stage, uniting the region’s fandom across multiple titles year after year. At the inception of VALORANT esports, Cloud9 displayed a bone-deep commitment to growth of game at all levels, investing in an impressive C9 Blue roster while also fielding C9 White, one of the most dominant all-women rosters ever assembled in esports.


• Evil Geniuses: One of the oldest names in esports, Evil Geniuses has stood the test of time, evolving from a standout StarCraft clan to a multi-genre North American powerhouse. With an eye on the future, EG intends to elevate the next generation of VALORANT stars through its robust talent development program. Doing so ensures that the organization will remain a force for generations to come, creating opportunities for all players, regardless of their backgrounds, throughout the Americas.


• FURIA: Established in 2017, FURIA has skyrocketed up the Brazilian esports hierarchy to become one of the most reliably competitive organizations in the region. A consistent presence in the FPS scene, FURIA takes pride in its 360 approach to player development, which underlines player mindset and media presence as key ingredients to successful career growth. With high quality content like documentaries, merchandise, stores, and fan centers throughout the Americas, FURIA has prepared their business for a stronger international presence as they plan to dominate the VCT in 2023.


• KRÜ Esports: A mainstay atop the highest echelons of VALORANT esports seemingly since the game launched, KRÜ Esports has set the standard by which all other LATAM VALORANT squads are measured against. With key investment from regional luminaries like fútbol legend Sergio “Kun” Agüero, KRÜ’s success has helped not only cultivate a vibrant fanbase within the broader hispanic community, but mint new fans abroad who are captivated by the team’s electric style of play. With undeniable passion and talent infusing all aspects of the organization, expect KRÜ Esports to further cement its legacy among the best of VCT Americas.


• Leviatán: Another LATAM icon — not to mention the “eternal rivals” of KRÜ Esports — Leviatán has made waves in VALORANT esports since its founding in 2020. The Argentinian organization has grown its fanbase with exuberant live events, hosting numerous viewing parties and activations across the region. Thanks to an exciting international campaign, Leviatán catapulted itself into international consciousness, impressing fans with its precision and hunger to win — an tangible atmosphere that will ensure its players thrive in 2023.


• LOUD: The defending World Champions, perhaps no other brand in esports resonates quite like LOUD. Consistently recognized as a leading Brazilian organization across multiple titles, LOUD boasts an unparalleled fanbase of engaged, vocal supporters who will never be silenced. In and outside of the game, LOUD has given its fans plenty to cheer for, supplying its millions of supporters with polished content, bespoke activations, and proof positive that as of 2023, Brazil reigns as the world’s mightiest VALORANT region.


• MIBR: It’s hard to have a conversation about Brazilian esports and not mention the name MIBR. Founded in 2003, MIBR is inextricable from Brazil’s storied FPS history, bridging generations of fans through multiple games, competitive iterations and home-grown superstars. Supported by one of the most loyal fanbases in the world, MIBR has used its international fame not only to grow its reach, but to promote an inclusive community, investing in pathways for women and marginalized genders to succeed at the professional level.


• NRG: Since 2016, NRG has established a reputation for creating championship teams and innovative lifestyle content, helping the California-based organization connect with its diehard fanbase of millions. Backed by high-profile investors like retired NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal, NRG regularly hosts live event experiences, meetups and watch parties, earning it one of the most authentic, fan-forward reputations in esports. With VCT Americas action shifting to Los Angeles, NRG are perfectly positioned to attract even more local fans.


• Sentinels: Trace the spine of North American VALORANT, and you’ll likely find Sentinels there. A brash, competitive force since the days of First Strike, Sentinels’ excellence expanded what was possible for North American esports, drawing support from iconic players and devoted fans who heckin loved them all. Now, with the era of International Leagues set to begin, Sentinels will continue to push the region forward, inspiring a new generation of fans to believe in NA.

Congratulations to our new VCT Americas partner teams! For fans, you can catch a preview of the new VCT Americas International League in 2023 at the VCT 2023 Kickoff Tournament in São Paulo, Brazil.