This event is noteworthy because
Background
TALON faced prolonged financial difficulties, including significant delays in player payments, which contradicted Riot Games' requirements for VCT participants. Despite the team's attempts to resolve the issues with the league, it became clear that TALON could not demonstrate the necessary financial viability for continued participation. This forced Riot Games to take the rare step of terminating their partnership with the organization, as reported in official comments from TALON representatives and VCT APAC & Pacific head Jake Sin.
Key Details and Tournament Implications
Currently, TALON is halting its participation in Valorant to reconsider its future. The team roster, which included the players, lost the right to compete in the league, and a vacant spot has opened in the VCT Pacific tournament. Riot Games will initiate a special selection process to find a replacement by the 2026 season. According to Jake Sin, the main task for the organizers is to maintain regional representation at the highest level and find a team that will receive support from the Thai community.
Riot and TALON's Position
The head of VCT APAC & Pacific stated that he personally consulted with TALON players, discussing their future prospects and is ready to support all affected parties to the fullest extent. TALON emphasized that funding delays in 2025 seriously impacted their esports activities, but the team hopes to return in a new format in the future.
The suspension of TALON and Riot Games' decision underscore the importance of transparency and financial stability for esports organizations. This event could serve as a catalyst for other teams to reassess their operations and improve management levels across the VCT Pacific landscape. New opportunities are opening up for TALON players, and fans and talents from Thailand will have the chance to see a fresh team in a major tournament as early as next season.
