The HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League 2025 (ACL 2025) has officially launched its VALORANT tournament, marking an exciting milestone in the multi-title esports series taking place in Shanghai. As the competition heats up, fans and followers of the tactical FPS can look forward to top-tier matches featuring some of Asia’s most elite teams. Here’s a full breakdown of the event, its structure, teams, and how to tune in.
A Prestigious Esports Showcase in Shanghai
The Asian Champions League 2025 isn’t just another tournament—it’s a celebration of Asia’s booming esports scene. Hosted in one of the region’s biggest tech and entertainment hubs, Shanghai, the event brings together elite competitors, major titles, and significant global attention. To understand the importance of ACL 2025, it’s essential to look at the scale of the event and its wider global impact.
A Continental Celebration of Competitive Gaming
Running from February 15th to June 1st, ACL 2025 is a landmark esports event spearheaded by HERO ESPORTS. The event spans multiple major titles, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Street Fighter 6, with a cumulative prize pool of $2 million (~£1.5 million). Hosted in Shanghai, the tournament showcases Asia’s growing dominance and infrastructure in global esports.
Tied to the Global Stage via Esports World Cup
In collaboration with the Esports World Cup, ACL 2025 serves as a stepping stone for teams aiming to qualify for the prestigious Saudi Arabian festival. However, while some titles offer qualifying spots, the VALORANT tournament remains a standalone competition, offering its own prize but no VCT points or World Cup berth.
What Makes the VALORANT Tournament Special?
While ACL 2025 spans multiple game titles, the VALORANT segment stands out for its fierce regional rivalries and stacked team roster. With top squads from both China and the Pacific competing, the tournament offers thrilling matchups rarely seen outside of official VCT events. Let’s dive into what sets this VALORANT showdown apart from the rest.
High Stakes, Top Talent, and Regional Rivalries
The VALORANT section of the Asian Champions League may not impact official VCT rankings, but it still commands attention. With a prize pool of $160,000 (~£120,000) and participation from top-tier teams across China and the Pacific region, fans can expect nail-biting performances and unpredictable outcomes.
A Showcase of the Best in Asia
Six teams are battling it out: XLG Esports, Bilibili Gaming, and Trace Esports represent VCT China, while Paper Rex, DRX, and ZETA DIVISION come from the VCT Pacific league. This blend sets the stage for unique matchups not often seen during regular VCT seasons.
Format and Structure: How It All Works
Understanding the ACL 2025 VALORANT format is key to following the action. The tournament introduces a King of the Hill bracket system that rewards past performance while keeping the path to the Grand Final intense and unpredictable. Here’s a closer look at how teams progress through the competition, and where the biggest matchups could happen.
King of the Hill: A Knockout Bracket with a Twist
The tournament format is a single-elimination King of the Hill-style bracket, designed to intensify each match’s importance. Based on VCT Stage 1 results and pre-tournament seeding matches, teams are placed at different starting points in the bracket.
Match Progression and Seeding Logic
Trace Esports and ZETA DIVISION, as the lowest-seeded teams, began the tournament in Round 1—where Trace advanced by eliminating ZETA. Bilibili Gaming and DRX will now compete in a Seed Decider match. The winner moves directly to the Quarterfinals, while the loser must face Trace Esports next.
Meanwhile, heavyweights XLG Esports and Paper Rex are locked in a Grand Final Seed Decider. The victor proceeds straight to the tournament’s final stage, while the loser must navigate the Semifinals.
Match Formats and Venue Details
Most matches are best-of-three (BO3), ensuring a balanced but intense competition. However, the Grand Final will be a best-of-five (BO5) series held at the larger Jing’an Sports Center, highlighting the significance of the finale. All other matches are hosted at the VCT CN Arena.
How to Watch ACL 2025 VALORANT
You don’t need to be in Shanghai to catch the action. The ACL 2025 VALORANT tournament is being broadcast across multiple platforms in different languages to ensure fans around the world can tune in. Whether you’re watching live or catching up, here’s how and where to follow every match.
Multiple Language Broadcasts for Global Fans
ACL 2025 VALORANT is accessible to international viewers through various streaming platforms. English-language broadcasts are available on Twitch and YouTube, while Chinese audiences can watch via huya and Bilibili. Daily coverage begins at 10 AM BST, offering consistent action for fans across time zones.
Don’t Miss the Grand Final
The highlight of the tournament, the Grand Final, is set for May 18th and promises a showdown of the best-performing teams in the bracket. With the stakes at their peak, the final match is expected to be a true spectacle in both skill and production quality.
Final Thoughts: A VALORANT Offseason to Remember
Though it may be classified as an OFF//SEASON event, the ACL 2025 VALORANT tournament is far from a casual skirmish. With high-caliber teams, a solid prize pool, and a fresh competitive format, this tournament is shaping up to be one of the standout regional events of the year. Whether you’re a longtime VALORANT fan or new to Asian esports, ACL 2025 is a must-watch.
