Apeks has been relegated from the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) after placing at the bottom of the Group Stage in VCT EMEA Stage 2.
As a result of its performances, Apeks will be automatically competing next year in the Challengers League, VALORANT’s tier-two scene, with no option to gain immediate promotion through 2025’s Ascension event.
In the post online, Apeks wrote: “An absolute nightmare. We’re out of VALORANT Esports EMEA. Thanks [to] those following our journey.”
Apeks was met with fierce competition heading into EMEA Stage 2. It began with a defeat to NAVI, where it lost 2-1 on July 16th. This was followed by a game against Karmine Corp, losing 2-1 on July 23rd.
Team Liquid, was the organisation’s third opponent, losing 2-1 on July 31st. Finally, its journey in VALORANT’s top tier ended with a 2-1 loss against Movistar KOI on August 6th, 2025.
Apeks Misses Out on Ascension
In light of its performance at EMEA Stage 2, Apeks will not be competing at Ascension this year as it moves from the main league to Challengers.
Back in July, Riot Games introduced significant changes to how its Ascension and Challengers Leagues worked, making it more performance-based.
A promoted Ascension organisation will extend its VCT contract if it qualifies for VALORANT Champions. Those that reach the Stage 2 Playoffs will be able to play at the Ascension event for a shot of qualification.
However, in the case of Apeks, a team is automatically relegated to the Challengers League if it fails to advance to the Stage 2 Playoffs, in order to bring new Ascension teams to VCT.
How Apeks has Performed This Year
Despite shifting its focus to VALORANT in 2024, Apeks has struggled in the VCT this year, seeing early eliminations throughout the VALORANT ecosystem.
It placed 12th in the VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff after losing to Gentle Mates in the first round of Upper Brackets, and suffered a knockout blow from Team Liquid after losing 1-2 in the Lower Brackets.
Apeks fared no better in EMEA Stage 1, where it placed 11th overall. Ending at the bottom of its respective group during the Group Stage, ending with a 0-5 win/loss ratio.
Finally, in the Esports World Cup EMEA Qualifier, Apeks placed ninth overall. It saw an early defeat during the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals against FUT Esports, before ultimately losing 0-2 to GIANTX in the Lower Brackets.
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