VCT teams that missed the 2027 partnership program: Full list

Ahsan Kabir Published October 26, 2026

The VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) will undergo significant changes in 2027 due to the introduction of a new tournament system by Riot Games. However, several famous esports teams such as Cloud9, FURIA, DetonatioN FocusMe (DFM), and Nongshim RedForce did not receive the slot to the 2027-2028 partnership program.

According to reports released on October 19, 21 teams from four regions did not become the participants of the 2027 partnership program. However, it does not mean that they are going to quit the world of VALORANT esports. Some teams confirmed their participation, but some teams remained silent about it.

Full list of reported VCT partnership exclusions

Image credit: Riot Games

Below are the teams included in the mentioned list of organizations that missed the selection. It is important to note that Riot Games has not released a complete list of the rejected applicants. It remains to be seen how this affects their rosters, and if it plays a factor into player selection from a VALORANT betting perspective.

Which teams will continue competing?

Some of the teams have stated their desire to stay in VALORANT despite failing to partner.

• DetonatioN FocusMe: The Japanese organization confirmed their intention to keep running the VALORANT team on October 19. Despite the fact that the partnership will end in 2026, DFM plans to find another way to get to the international scene.
• Cloud9: The North American-based company has revealed that they didn’t receive the partnership but is planning to stay within VALORANT. It can explore the newly available avenue of qualifying for the tournament instead of counting on partner entry.
• Nongshim RedForce: The South Korean company reported that they didn’t get the partnership slot and will participate in the competition in 2027. Their future line-up will decide what strategy to pursue in the new competition format.
• KIWOOM DRX: The organization also reported that it was not selected in the next partnership period and will continue operating in the VALORANT ecosystem.
• Other teams like FURIA, M80, FlyQuest, Shopify Rebellion, ENVY, LYON, and BOOM Esports have also been mentioned as being excluded from partnerships. Their future involvement in the games should not be mentioned as confirmed unless they announced plans to field teams.

Global Esports is an exception here. The Indian team has decided to withdraw itself from all forms of competitive gaming and concentrate on GE Studios.

For more news, check out our piece on how the Americas dominated VCT Shanghai.

How can non-partner teams qualify in 2027?

Image credit: Riot Games

Riot is transitioning from league-based play to a tournament style of play. For America, EMEA, and Pacific, Kickoff will have eight partner teams and four teams that qualify via open qualifiers. China will follow a different pattern.

Non-partner teams will have the opportunity to fight for spots in Kickoff and try to qualify for Cups, Masters, and Champions under this system.

Additionally, Riot has set qualification amounts of $100,000 for Kickoff//Cup, $200,000 for Masters, and $400,000 for Champions. These amounts are dependent on qualification for the respective tournaments.

The revised format offers an additional opportunity for the excluded organizations to compete internationally. However, it will be dependent on their team composition and results.

Featured image credit: Riot Games