Riot alters Masters Berlin format after community backlash

Valorant Masters Berlin is right around the corner, being the last major before Valorant Champions, having massive implications for the future of the 16 participating teams, as it gives the winning org a direct spot in what's essentially Valorant Worlds. 

Following the format announcement by Riot, fans and analysts quickly expressed distress, as they deemed it too inappropriate for such an important tournament. 

The initial reveal by Riot stated that teams would be split into four groups of four each, with squads facing in a double-elimination bracket within the group stages. The sole victor from each group would then qualify for the final single-elimination bracket.

Whether via Twitter or Reddit, with a thread petitioning Riot to change the format becoming the most upvoted following the announcement, fans were very vocal about their disappointment with the format, with the organisers confirming a new eight-team single-elimination bracket.

"As a result, the final match in each group will be eliminated, and the Knockout Stage will pivot to an eight-team single-elimination bracket," the statement reads.

What this means for the format is that once each group has decided its top two squads, a reseeding draw will take place before the final double-elimination bracket takes place. 

Valorant Masters Berlin is set to kick off this upcoming 10th September, running through the 19th. As of the time of writing, 13 teams have already qualified, with representatives from Brazil and Southeast Asia still left to be decided.

• Read more: TSM's Valorant Champions Tour dreams hang by a thread after Rise upset

For more on all things Valorant, check out our dedicated section filled with news, tournament results, and more.