Riot Games has severed its partnership with TALON Esports’ VALORANT team, bringing an end to the organization’s participation in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific due to ongoing financial difficulties and delayed payments to players.
On November 18, 2025, Riot officially announced the termination of TALON’s partnership agreement, which immediately resulted in the loss of their spot in the VCT Pacific league. The decision was made after the organization failed to meet the league’s operational standards, as outlined in Riot’s communication.
In the statement, Riot emphasized TALON’s inability to manage its team according to league requirements, particularly highlighting overdue payments to players and a lack of financial stability necessary for ongoing participation. Despite a proactive approach over the past month, during which Riot granted TALON multiple extensions to rectify these issues, the organization ultimately could not resolve its financial shortcomings.
Jake Sin, Head of APAC VALORANT Esports, expressed that this was a difficult decision that followed weeks of attempts to assist TALON. He noted the team’s contributions to the league and wished them well for the future.
In a statement from TALON, the organization acknowledged Riot’s decision, expressing appreciation for the collaboration aimed at addressing the outstanding issues. They remained optimistic about resolving their financial matters while recognizing Riot’s stance.
As a result of this development, the current TALON VALORANT players have been notified of the changes and are now free to explore opportunities with other teams. The roster includes players such as Thanamethk «Crws» Mahatthananuyut and Tanate «Killua» Teerasawad, among others. Jake Sin has assured these players of their welcome in the ecosystem, whether as part of another team or joined across different teams.
TALON has committed to supporting its players during this transition, prioritizing their ability to compete as a unit under a new organization in the forthcoming season. They are working closely with Riot to ensure a seamless handover.
In the meantime, Riot is already in the process of seeking a new partner to fill TALON’s vacant slot in the VCT Pacific. Invitations have been sent to several organizations within the APAC region as part of a competitive application process. Jake highlighted the importance of finding a team that resonates with the Thai community, emphasizing the need for continued representation in the VCT Pacific.
TALON’s departure marks a notable moment in VALORANT esports, being one of the more significant removals from the partnership structure, especially considering the team’s involvement over the past several seasons.
