German esports organization MOUZ is stepping away from the VALORANT competitive scene, marking the end of a four-year journey with Riot Games’ popular tactical shooter. This decision highlights the challenges faced by teams navigating the existing structure of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) and its impact on their long-term goals.
Departure from VALORANT
In an announcement on their social media, MOUZ expressed that the current VCT setup does not align with their aspirations. They stated, “We have made the decision to not continue with VALORANT. The current VCT format does not align with our ambition as a team, and we do not see a place for us in the current ecosystem.” The organization extended gratitude to its partners, players, and coaching staff who contributed to their VALORANT endeavors.
MOUZ’s departure is part of a broader trend among organizations reassessing their participation in VALORANT’s tier-two ecosystem. Despite notable domestic success, including a win in VALORANT Challengers 2024 DACH: Evolution Split 2 and qualifying for VCT Ascension EMEA 2024, MOUZ struggled to secure promotion, emphasizing the competitive and financial challenges within the current framework.
Challenges of VCT and Tier 2
The VCT model presents significant obstacles for teams not included in partnered leagues, often relying on brief competition periods, limited prize money, and a singular route to promotion through Ascension. This model demands sustained investment with uncertain financial returns, raising concerns about its viability.
Riot Games has acknowledged these issues, allowing betting sponsorships in VALORANT and League of Legends esports in North America and EMEA. This initiative aims to fund the tier-two scene with increased prize pools and development efforts. Despite these moves, MOUZ’s exit indicates that risks still outweigh rewards for some organizations competing outside tier-one leagues.