Bleed Esports Removed From Valorant Champions Tour, VCT Pacific

Riot Games has officially removed the Southeast Asia-based organization Bleed Esports from the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) and VCT Pacific. The decision stems from the organization’s failure to adhere to the requirements and guidelines established in the team participation agreement. Following this removal, Riot Games has appointed Boom Esports as the replacement team for the 2025 season.

The removal follows a period of instability for the organization, which has faced allegations of failing to meet financial obligations. Reports indicate that Bleed Esports had been significantly delayed in paying its professional players for several months. These financial concerns are compounded by previous controversies involving CEO Mervyn Goh, specifically regarding the non-payment of prize pools and production staff for a 2023 Counter-Strike 2 tournament. While Bleed Esports acknowledged its failure to meet the VCT participation requirements, the organization stated its intent to continue operating teams within the Challengers circuit.

This development highlights the strict regulatory environment governing professional Valorant partnerships. Despite securing major investments in the past, including a $50.8 million USD injection from Asia Venture Capital in 2021, the organization’s inability to maintain operational standards led to its expulsion from the premier league. The sudden nature of the announcement reportedly left players with minimal notice, underscoring the abrupt conclusion of the organization's tenure in the VCT ecosystem.