FURIA Reportedly Misses VCT Americas Deal for 2027-28

FURIA was reportedly not selected for Riot Games’ next VALORANT competitive cycle, which covers the 2027 and 2028 seasons. Reports published Monday, October 19, indicated that VCT Americas will have eight partnered organizations instead of 10.

Riot Games had not announced the full list of partnered teams at the time of publication. Brazilian organizations LOUD and MIBR were reportedly selected. LOUD confirmed its continued participation after defeating FNATIC in the VALORANT Champions 2026 grand final on Sunday, October 18.

The reported decision has been followed by roster changes at FURIA. The organization gave Arthur “artzin” Araujo and Luis Henrique “basic” Tessaro permission to negotiate with other teams. Both players were under contract through 2027, but their agreements were tied to FURIA’s participation in VCT Americas. They are expected to become free agents on November 2, when the VCT transfer window opens.

The changes also involve Fabian “Shyy” Usnayo and head coach Ian “shaW” Jardim. ShaW was expected to leave FURIA regardless of the partnership decision. Before the reports about the partnership program, FURIA had given GianFranco “koalanoob” Potestio and Daniel “C0M” Lee permission to explore opportunities with other teams.

FURIA has competed in VCT Americas since the league launched in 2023. The team reached the playoffs in its first season but failed to qualify for the playoffs in either stage in 2024. In 2025, FURIA finished last in both stages and did not win a series during the group phase.

FURIA won its first VCT Americas title in 2026 after defeating MIBR 3-2 in the Kickoff grand final. The result sent the team to Masters Santiago, where it finished in the top eight. FURIA then placed seventh-eighth in both Stage 1 and Stage 2 and did not qualify for Champions.

Riot Games will change the VCT format in 2027. Each of the four international regions will have eight partnered organizations, creating a global total of 32 teams. League stages will be replaced by a tournament circuit with open qualifiers.

FURIA’s reported exclusion would not prevent it from competing in VCT events. Non-partnered teams will be able to enter open qualifiers for Kickoff and regional Cups, with opportunities to qualify for international tournaments through their results. Partnered organizations will receive base payments, revenue sharing from in-game items and direct entry into Kickoff.

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