ValorantDRXKiwoom DRX has downsized most of its VALORANT players and staff after VCT 2027 partnership changes. Here’s a recap.
KIWOOM DRX is releasing almost all of its VALORANT roster and coaching staff after the org did not recieve a VCT 2027 partner invitation. Image Credits: KIWOOM DRX
After four years competing in VCT Pacific, KIWOOM DRX has released almost all of its VALORANT players and coaching staff. The move arrives after Riot Games revealed DRX would not recieve a VCT 2027 partner slot. Here’s a recap.
VCT 2026 was the final stretch of VALORANT’s franchised era. Next year, the game’s largest tournament circuit is shifting to an open qualifier format. This means teams that formerly had a secure partnered status are being re-evaluated, and industry veterans are kept on their toes.
This move has the potential to shake things up in the VCT, bringing fresh talent into the player pool. However, it’s also a major transition, and other orgs are searching for a place in the new system.
KIWOOM DRX is well-known in VCT Pacific. The team has an ‘RX rivalry’ with Paper Rex (PRX), spanning multiple games and years of history. DRX competed in Champions 2022, 2024, and 2025, placing third at its peak.
On October 18, Riot Games revealed which teams earned an invitation to the VCT 2027 partner program. Kiwoom DRX was not among them. The organization stated, “As a new era of VALORANT esports begins, KIWOOM DRX has not been selected for the VCT 2027 Partnership Program.”
That said, they reassured fans: “From Vision Strikers to KIWOOM DRX, we have remained committed to the VALORANT scene since 2020 and built our legacy together with you. No matter the outcome, that commitment will not change. For whatever comes next, see you all in VCT 2027.”
Four days later, on October 22, DRX made another key announcement.
The team wrote that “in light of the recent VCT update regarding KIWOOM DRX’s exclusion from the upcoming VCT partnership program,” DRX has released almost all of its VALORANT coaches and players. These departures include:
DRX elaborated on the decision, writing:
“Following our non-selection to the VCT partnership program, the players and management gathered to discuss our next steps ahead of VCT 2027. After evaluating the implications resulting from the changes to KIWOOM DRX’s partnership status, as well as the broader changes to the league’s system, all parties mutually agreed that parting ways is the most responsible path for everyone’s immediate interests.
As these exceptional players and coaches officially become free agents, we want to say thank you. From the countless hours of sacrifices to the professionalism they have displayed while representing our team, their contributions cannot be fully expressed in words.
No matter where they end up, they will forever have a home with KIWOOM DRX.”
Despite losing their VCT 2027 partner slot, DRX has reassured fans that its VALORANT lineup will remain in competition. The org stated, “As we turn toward the start of VCT 2027, we remain fully committed to preparing for our next chapter of VALORANT esports.”
Stay tuned for more VALORANT esports news.
VALORANTRiot Games has just revealed the VCT 2027 Global Tour, including schedules and locations. The Valorant season moves to a tournament-first format with more than 50 events, 15 cities, open qualifiers starting in November 2026, and guaranteed payouts for non-partner teams.
VALORANTRiot said community resonance mattered more than trophies. The list proves it. Evil Geniuses won Champions in 2023 and is gone. So is the org that won Masters Copenhagen. And in the Americas, nobody new came in at all.
VALORANTWo0t is leaving Team Heretics VALORANT ahead of the 2027 VCT season. Let’s recap and explore what this means for the org.
