Riot Games has just revealed the trophy for the upcoming VCT Ascension EMEA tournament, and the players are already crazy for its gorgeousness. The trophy with its stunning and futuristic look has reminded some people of the previous VALORANT trophies, and many have even declared it as the most beautiful esports hardware piece so far.
So, what is VCT Ascension EMEA exactly? In simple terms, it is the passage for the newbies to start shining in VALORANT esports. Winning this tournament guarantees a spot in the international-class league for two years, which is a major victory for an any organization that is looking for an establishment. Besides, the organization has been rewarded with a beautiful trophy to strive for.
The trophy’s design is nothing less than incredible. It boasts revising, angular lines that look like a sci-fi movie and a colorful center that draws the light like a moth. The trophy is both captivating and attractive which is the opposite of the usual plain or weird-looking trophies of this type. It really looks like a prize, something you would encounter in traditional sports, but with that VALORANT magic that we all love.
The players did not take long to react to the trophy, and their opinions were almost the same – it is great. A player called Night even went so far as to say, “This looks more better than the champs trophy,” which is quite a claim since the Champions trophy is regarded as the ultimate prize in VALORANT. Ody, in a similar case, simply wrote “This looks really good wtf,” which indeed reflects the overall feeling.
Nevertheless, there is also some uncertainty in the comments. User Gh0 questioned, “they’re ascending two teams why tf is there a trophy lmao,” which is a completely valid query. If there are just two teams moving up, then who gets the trophy? The press release does not clarify that very well, but based on Riot’s history, they probably have a kind of event where the tournament winner gets the trophy and the two qualifying teams get the league spot.
The Portuguese speaking community was particularly thrilled, where MIBR gilsonlove referred to it as “Troféu bem SÓLIDO”, and another user Masok said “Melhor q o Américas/regionais”, saying that it is better than the Americas and regionals trophies. The design’s global acceptance is so strong, that it highlights the ability of good aesthetics to surpass language barriers.
It is rather peculiar that players think the trophy is way beyond the recent Masters trophies. User Ace opined “Better than all 3 masters trophies we just had.. damnnn,” which indeed makes one ponder whether Riot’s design team is now putting more effort into Ascension tournaments. It could be that they are trying to make these qualifying tournaments just as important as the main events, which would be a great strategy to strengthen the competitive ecosystem.
The detailed craftsmanship of the trophy is also getting acclaim. User JUMOKE said “The detail is soo amusing,” and he/she is right. The whole process of making the trophy, from the very sharp lines to the materials looking like they would feel really soft to the touch, gives the impression that a lot of thinking has gone into it. The trophy is not just another generic cup – it actually seems to belong in the VALORANT universe, with design features that could very well be part of in-game cosmetics or map aesthetics.
Some players are already making guesses as to who will be the lucky one to lay their hands on this beautiful trophy. User Tomq just asked “Who will get it,” which is the million-dollar question. Since Ascension is a pivotal tournament for the ascending teams, the rivalry will be cutthroat. Just think about the captain of the team that gets to win this – not only the coveted international league spot, but also the possibility of lifting what might be the best-looking trophy in VALORANT history.
The reveal could not have come at a more inappropriate time; it has created enormous hype just before the starting of the tournament. The players were already excited about the Ascension event due to its competitive implications but now there’s a new layer of “we want that trophy” energy. Getting into the big leagues is surely one thing, but doing it while winning what the community has already recognized as the coolest piece of VALORANT hardware is another.
When the VCT Ascension EMEA trophy is placed among the other trophies in the circuit, it clearly expresses the ideas of maturity and elegance. It does not require any tricks or glittery elements; instead, it is clean, modern, and very impressive. The fact that the players say so many good things about the trophy and compare it with the Champions trophy is a strong indication of Riot’s success in the design.
The increasing popularity of the VALORANT esports scene makes these small details very important. A nice trophy becomes a part of the story, a part of the legacy that players fight for. It is no longer only about the qualification slot – now it is about the right to be the first name to be engraved on the beautiful piece of esports history. And team reactions are a testament to the fact that the motivation is enough for any team going through the Ascension tournament.
The trophy’s unveiling has undoubtedly set the stage for what is going to be a super thrilling tournament. With the high stakes of securing a spot in the international competition and now this wonderful hardware to take home, VCT Ascension EMEA has just become one of the most awaited events for any VALORANT fan. Whoever wins this trophy will also have a story to tell and a very beautiful trophy as well.
