Riot Games has unveiled the eight organizations that will make up the VCT Pacific partnered league beginning in 2027, a move that also signals the departure of several current organizations. These include Global Esports, home to Filipino players Xavier ‘xavi8k’ Juan and Patrick ‘PatMen’ Mendoza, as well as assistant coach Derren ‘Aimix’ dela Cruz.
The new long-term lineup features Japan’s Crazy Raccoon and Zeta Division, South Korea’s Gen.G and T1, Singapore’s Paper Rex, Indonesia’s Rex Regum Qeon (RRQ), Thailand’s Full Sense, and Vietnam’s GAM Esports.
According to Riot Games, the organizations were selected following a months-long evaluation process that considered fan engagement, organizational values, support for players, sustainability, and their ability to grow local communities across the Pacific region.
The announcement ushers in a new era for VCT Pacific while bringing an end to Global Esports’ run in the league despite one of the organization’s most successful seasons in Valorant.
Global Esports captured the VCT Pacific Stage 2 championship in 2026 and qualified for Valorant Champions Shanghai, with Juan, Mendoza and Dela Cruz playing key roles in the team’s campaign.
The organization’s exclusion from the new partnership program also coincides with its decision to step away from competitive esports altogether. Global Esports founder and chief executive officer Rushindra Sinha announced that the organization would cease esports operations and transition into GE Studios, shifting its focus toward content creation and artificial intelligence-driven projects. According to Sinha, 2026 had long been planned as the organization’s final year in esports despite its championship-winning season.
For Juan, the announcement marked the end of an unforgettable first season at the Tier 1 level.
In a social media post, the Filipino player looked back on his rookie campaign and thanked the teammates and staff who helped shape his first year on the international stage.
“This was my rookie year, and I couldn’t have asked for a better one. The memories we made and the experiences we shared are things I’ll never forget.” wrote Juan.
He also paid tribute to the roster and coaching staff behind the team’s championship run, saying the season’s experiences would stay with him regardless of what comes next in his career.
“I’m not sure what the future holds or where I’ll be next year, but I’ll always be grateful for everything this year has taught me. This chapter may be over, but the memories and lessons will stay with me.” said Juan.
The former Valorant UAAP champion with De La Salle University likewise gave a special mention to fellow Filipino Mendoza, expressing hope that the pair could one day represent a Philippine organization together.
“To my Pinoy duo @patmenVLR, hopefully we get to represent a PH org together in the future,” said Juan.
Dela Cruz shared a similar sentiment in his own farewell message, describing his stint with Global Esports as a “life-changing journey” after years of pursuing a place in Tier 1 competition.
The Filipino assistant coach said joining the organization was already a major achievement, but helping the team win Pacific Stage 2 and qualify for Champions Shanghai made the experience even more meaningful.
“Joining the team was already a huge blessing on its own, but it became an even bigger one with the Pacific Stage 2 Championship, and actually qualifying and making it to Champions Shanghai,’ said Dela Cruz.
He also praised the players, staff and management he worked with during the season and thanked fans who supported the team throughout its run.
“Thank you for this life-changing journey, GE. I will forever be grateful, and these memories will stay with me always,’ said Dela Cruz.
The announcement of partner teams comes as the Philippines prepares to host one of the region’s newest Valorant events.
Riot Games previously confirmed that Manila will host the inaugural VCT Pacific Cup from April 29 to May 23, 2027, with teams competing for qualification spots to Masters Valencia. The tournament forms part of the revamped VCT calendar and will bring the newly selected Pacific partner organizations to the Philippines for one of the first major events under the new competitive structure.