Project Blender is Riot Games’ latest initiative in the EMEA region, offering an open-access VALORANT esports competition that blends amateur, semi-pro, and pro levels in one unique ecosystem. The tournament was announced as part of the new VCT Partner Series, designed to create inclusive and innovative competitive opportunities.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Tournament Structure
Project Blender runs from October to December and is split into four competitive phases:
Phase 1 (October) – Open Bracket:
Format: Single-elimination.
Open to up to 1024 teams.
Includes a Blender Spotlight for mixed-gender rosters:
1st place: Direct entry into Phase 3.
2nd & 3rd place: Advance to Phase 2.
Phase 2 (November) – Round Robin:
64 total teams:
16 from Phase 1.
48 from existing EMEA circuits (Challengers, Game Changers, Premier, and VRC).
Played over two weeks.
Phase 3 (December) – Swiss + Bracket:
32 teams:
Includes potential VCT EMEA team entries.
Swiss Stage → Single-Elimination Bracket.
Phase 4 – LAN Finals:
Top 8 teams from Phase 3.
Held on LAN, concluding the tournament.
Unique Formats and Features
Blender Draft – Strategic Agent Selection
Game 1: Open pick.
Game 2: Previously picked agents by each team are banned.
Game 3: Agents used in Game 2 are also banned.
Inspired by League of Legends’ Fearless Draft.
Challengers Call – Opponent Selection
Teams advancing from earlier phases choose their opponents in later stages.
Bounty-Based Prize System
Total Prize Pool: €75,000 (~£65,000).
Includes bounties for underdog victories:
Mid Bounties: For amateur teams beating tier-two.
High Bounties: For amateur teams beating tier-one.
Tier-two teams can also earn bounties against tier-one.
Exact bounty values to be announced.
Who Can Join?
Open to all players in Europe, Middle East, and North Africa (EMEA).
Required latency: Under 80 ms on Paris and Frankfurt servers.
Registrations open in September.
Also, casters and commentators can apply to join the broadcast team via an online application form.
