Riot Games announced on Friday that the next international event for the VALORANT Champions Tour, Stage 1 VCT Masters: 1, will be place in Reykjavik. From 2021, the tournament will return to Iceland, the venue of its first international event. The festival will take place from April 10 through April 24. The VCT Masters is a competition for all of the world's top-tier esports Valorant teams to earn berths in the Champions 2022. The Masters will be split into two phases, each with its own set of Challengers.

https://twitter.com/ValorantEsports/status/1502316055875620867

The format will also be different from previous international events, according to Riot Game's release. The top seeds from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and the top seeds from Latin America and Brazil will advance further in the bracket with a more favourable seed. Other seeded teams will have to fight their way through the bracket's lower tiers.

Riot Games' ambition of holding a live competition for its fans is still in place in 2022. However, due to a lack of faith in the company's ability to securely conduct LAN events, the tournament will be moved to Iceland once more for better LAN circumstances. Another reason Riot Games is hosting the tournament in Iceland is because of their experience with the country and its advantageous timezone, which makes it easier for internet fans to schedule their viewing.

A live crowd, as opposed to an empty arena, generates a completely different atmosphere, enlivening the venue with cheers and gasps as outplay and clutch moments happen in front of their eyes. But it's also commendable that Riot officials are treading carefully and prioritising health and safety, especially given how deadly COVID-19 outbreaks can be when a new version appears.