What is Valorant Masters?
Madrid is stepping back into the spotlight as the home of the world’s top Valorant championship. Riot Games runs an international tactical shooter circuit, and after a landmark run in Tokyo, the tour moves to Europe for a grand show in the Spanish capital. Valorant Masters stands at the top of this competitive pyramid, where teams from around the globe gather to test their mettle across a multi-city calendar. In 2024, two major events brought the world together in Madrid and Shanghai. The opening event pitted eight elite teams against one another, delivering thrilling matches, fierce comebacks, and fans a front-row seat to high-stakes competition.
Spain revisited
Madrid has repeatedly proven to be a magnet for major esports moments. In 2015, the Palacio de Vistalegre hosted the spring finals of Europe’s flagship Riot Games competition, and the venue returned with record-breaking attendance in 2018. The City of Madrid later hosted pivotal moments in 2019 when the League of Legends World Championship reached the quarterfinals and semifinals in the Spanish capital, earning the venue the label of a completed showcase in moments. While Madrid has earned its standing, Spain has also hosted other international events: Tenerife welcomed the European LCS in 2014, and Barcelona hosted the League of Legends All Stars in 2016.
Spanish presence
The final stage of Valorant Masters brings together eight teams that earned their spots from regional circuits across EMEA, the Americas, and the Pacific, with the newly announced China International League joining the mix. Three Spanish squads—Giants, Heretics, and KOI—are in the running to reach the upper tier of competition. The season structure emphasizes regional play before the Masters, with two international leagues providing a total of eight qualifying teams for the first Masters of the year. The events unfold in a double-elimination format, ensuring dramatic turnarounds and high drama from start to finish. Global Head of Valorant Esports, Leo Faria, confirmed that the Madrid Masters for 2024 would kick off in a city already known for embracing global esports moments. This year’s approach continues to shape the calendar with regional showdowns setting the stage for international showdowns, while fans can count on Madrid delivering a dynamic, spectator-friendly atmosphere that blends competitive intensity with the energy of a capital city.