Esports organisation Apeks has announced that it will be pausing its VALORANT operations for the foreseeable future following its performance this season.
Apeks leaves the scene after being relegated from VCT EMEA, failing to qualify for VALORANT Champions in Paris, or any of the VCT Majors in 2025.
In its statement online, Apeks shared how its departure was partly influenced by Riot Games changing the VCT slot duration to one year (previously two) after the 2024 season. The oraniz detailed how it faced a ‘significant budget reduction’ in 2025 in light of this, alongside other ‘factors.’
Apeks said: “Ultimately, while we are confident that we could once again build a high-calibre roster for VCL, the current system no longer aligns with the conditions that initially led us to invest in the space. We hope to return at a later point, but for now, we bid farewell.”
Apeks Leaves VALORANT After Three Years of Play
Apeks first announced its entry into the VALORANT scene in January 10th, 2023, competing in the VALORANT Challengers league. After winning VCT Ascension EMEA 2024 by defeating PCIFIC Esports 3-2 in the Grand Finals, it secured a place in the VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff event.
However, Apeks’ VALORANT team has struggled this season, failing to qualify for a single Major. It was among the first teams to be eliminated from VCT EMEA Kickoff, missing out on Masters Bangkok. It placed 11th in VCT EMEA Stage 1, failing to advance to Masters Toronto, and it was missed out on VALORANT Champions in Paris after placing 12th in VCT EMEA Stage 2.
Apeks has signed a number of players during its time in VCT, Ava ‘florescent‘ Eugene, who left the organisation earlier this year and retired indefinitely to “rest up and recharge.”
Before its announcement, several of Apeks’ players were allowed to explore options for the 2026 season as restricted free agents following the conclusion of EMEA Stage 2.
