At this point, it seems the League of Legends community is already aware: Starting in 2025, Riot will merge smaller regions into a larger one. Thus, VCS will have to merge into APAC starting in 2025 and will need to go through several more matches before securing slots for international tournaments like MSI and Worlds. However, in addition to the slots obtained through competition, Riot will allow merged regions into APAC to have Partner slots. Of course, this comes with special requirements (regarding titles, influence, tradition, etc.).
Recently, the VCS community has erupted in debate over whether GAM Esports will be selected as Riot’s partner in APAC and what the future holds for the remaining teams.
In fact, based on the standards of tradition, titles, and influence, GAM is the most deserving team, and there is little room for debate. In reality, GAM is also receiving significant investment from owner TK Nguyen. However, GAM in VCS is also too strong, and the question many are asking is: If GAM is (almost) a given for Riot’s Partner slot in APAC, can VCS have 3 slots for the APAC 2025 tournament next year? Riot has not yet announced specifics as they have yet to determine which team will be Riot’s Partner. However, the likelihood is very low.
This is because, in APAC, there are currently teams from 4 regions (not including VCS). If more teams from League of Legends Vietnam appear, the number of slots for APAC 2025 will not increase because there are already 8 slots. Therefore, if Riot’s partner teams in the APAC region are chosen (possibly GAM, PSG Talon), the competition will increase as Riot desires, given that the remaining slots are already limited.
Furthermore, Riot’s goal is to ensure that investments are placed in the right places to elevate the quality of the region on a global scale. Increasing the number of teams solely for partnership slots would go against this objective. Therefore, if Riot chooses GAM for the VCS Partner slot at APAC 2025, it will benefit GAM and enhance competitiveness for the remaining VCS teams. Otherwise, there will likely be no scenario where VCS gets 3 slots for this tournament.
Every challenge can defeat teams, but it can also motivate them to strive harder in the future. This may initially cause many difficulties, but it also serves as a basis for VCS teams to make a stronger impression on Riot and the international League of Legends community.