Southeast Asia drives Valorant viewership boom with Masters Bangkok

March 13, 2025

Southeast Asia drives Valorant viewership boom with Masters Bangkok

Masters Bangkok, the latest Valorant esports tournament by Riot Games, has set new records, becoming the most-watched Masters event in Asia. According to media reports, the competition peaked at 4.3 million viewers during the Swiss Stage, making it the second most-watched Valorant event ever. The tournament marked Riot Games’ first major event in Southeast Asia, with Bangkok chosen as the ideal location due to its vibrant gaming community.

The region’s strong presence influenced the decision to host the event in Bangkok in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific. Riot Games noted that Thailand has become a standout region in the VCT Pacific circuit, driven by an enthusiastic community that actively supports esports.

Valorant’s growth since 2020

Since its launch in 2020, Valorant has expanded in both gameplay and esports presence. The game now features 27 agents and 17 maps, with four Valorant Champions winners crowned to date. The success of Masters Bangkok highlights the global competitiveness of Valorant, with diverse teams and players from various regions reaching top-tier events.

Valorant’s passionate fanbase has been key in driving the game’s growth. Riot Games observed that fans are highly engaged, supporting their teams and celebrating memorable plays.

***T1 celebrating after winning championship at the recently concluded Valorant Masters Bangkok. (Source: Riot Games/LinkedIn)***

Future Valorant events

Following Masters Bangkok, the VCT 2025 season will continue with Stage 1, concluding with Masters Toronto in June and culminating in Valorant Champions Paris in October. While Riot Games expressed interest in hosting future events in Southeast Asia, they also aim to explore new regions to connect with Valorant players worldwide.

Esports ecosystem changes

Valorant’s esports structure has evolved alongside its growing popularity. Riot Games recently introduced adjustments to the VCT schedule and Championship Points system, which were well received by the community. However, the swift introduction of the Tejo map in Kick-off shortly after its release faced some criticism.

Riot Games emphasised that their decisions are based on three core factors: ensuring features work as intended, assessing fan engagement, and considering player feedback. While they value community opinions, Riot Games believes in balancing these insights with their long-term vision for the game.

Commitment to improvement

Riot Games acknowledged that not all decisions will please everyone, but they are committed to making adjustments when needed. Maintaining strong communication with their global teams ensures the company remains informed about different community needs. This approach reflects Riot Games’ dedication to building an engaging and inclusive esports environment.

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