The Guard, TSM, Cloud9, NRG, and Version1 Get Closer to VALORANT Partner League

According to insider George Geddes, North American esports organizations The Guard, TSM, Cloud9, NRG, and Version1 have moved closer to the VALORANT partner league by being shortlisted for the next round of selection. This week, VALORANT organizers and developers briefed organizations on the next steps in the partnership system for next year, according to sources close to the situation.

Several North American organizations have been shortlisted and will face face-to-face financial disclosure meetings. According to multiple sources, teams like The Guard, TSM, Cloud9, NRG and Version1 made it to the next round.

As for Asia, the DRX organization got its ticket to the next round of consideration of applications.

Even though these teams are entering the next phase of their partnership with Riot Games, this does not guarantee that they will make it into the affiliate system for the next season. Other notable organizations were likely shortlisted as at least a dozen teams entered the next round in North America alone.

It is reported that there may be some issues with organizations such as T1 and G2 Esports. While T1 intends to stay in North America, despite the brand dominating the Korean market, G2 Esports, on the contrary, wants to change the region and move to North America.

The next stage of selection will be the penultimate step before Riot Games decides which organizations will be selected to participate in partner leagues next year. Ultimately, these teams will be filtered down to six to eight teams selected from North America to be included in the United Americas League.

VALORANT Partner System Details

Initially, more than 150 organizations submitted applications to Riot Games to join the affiliate program for the next year. Just over 200 organizations expressed tentative interest, but some were unable to provide additional information to support their application.

However, their numbers are starting to drop sharply as some clubs have already reported being denied entry to the league by the developers. For example, the Shopify Rebellion organization has openly expressed its dissatisfaction with the Riot Games decision, but did not abandon its two discipline rosters.

In addition, a number of other North American clubs dropped out the day before, including Akrew and NYFU.

A maximum of 10 teams will compete in a partner league for North America, Brazil and Latin America starting next year. However, this number is not final and may change.