Riot Games Philippines puts the community on the spotlight for being pivotal in shaping VALORANT in the local gaming scene.
VALORANT, the world’s biggest character-based 5v5 tactics shooter, turns five and Riot Games Philippines is paying tribute to its Pinoy players and communities. Running from June to July 2025, the celebration will feature a series of player-focused online and offline activities. These activities will exhibit VALORANT’s footprint in the local culture, including art, music, and creative expression beyond the game.
Originally launched as “Project A” during the global pandemic, VALORANT swiftly became one of the world’s most iconic tactical shooters. The game became a global force, reaching over 35 million monthly active players with over 70% Gen Z users. Boasting 27 Agents from 21 countries, VALORANT has become a platform for thrilling competitive play and vibrant gaming communities. It is now considered as world’s most viewed first person shooter (FPS) esport after its season-ender championship tournament in 2024, Champions Seoul, broke records at 9.1 million peak and 44.3 million unique viewers.
VALORANT has earned multiple recognitions in its five-year run. These include Best Esports Game at The Game Awards in 2022 and 2023, Esports Game of the Year in 2024, and a nomination for Outstanding Esports Championship Coverage for VALORANT Champions 2024 Grand Finals in the 2025 Sports Emmy Award. Locally, VALORANT won the Esports Game Title of the Year at the 2024 Philippine Esports Awards. These recognitions are proof of how VALORANT revolutionized the shooter genre, evolving from virtual tournaments to arena-shaking global esports events.
VALORANT also marked major milestones last year with its console debut on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5. Key regions including the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil, are now enjoying VALORANT’s tactical thrill through console. Building on this momentum, Riot Games recently announced the exclusive China release of VALORANT Mobile in April 2025.
Pinoy Power
In the Philippines, VALORANT has grown from a tactical shooter into a shared experience that unites players from diverse backgrounds. This rise is evident with all-Filipino Team Secret competing internationally, NAOS securing second place in a recent Challengers split, and local players joining global teams like Global Esports. Most recently, former NAOS player Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza joined Southeast Asia organization Paper Rex. With his deft skill, he helped lead the team to securing their spot in VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025.
“Our anniversary celebration aims to relive the many moments that we made with VALORANT over the last five years, and make every Filipino gamer take pride in the important role they have been playing in bringing VALORANT to where it is today, and of course show our players that the best is yet to come for VALORANT,” says Jason Roberto, Brand Manager for VALORANT at Riot Games Philippines.
“From late-night compshop grinds to memes that made their way into the game, culture and fan-made content, our players and fans have given the game a uniquely Pinoy flavor. This is how we recognize and remember their stories—the grind, the growth, and the good times—their own answers to the question “bakit VALO,” he added.
VALORANT began its fifth anniversary celebration on June 2. In the Philippines, Riot PH unveiled a tribute video – a dynamic montage of art, gameplay, and community and esports milestones. This will be followed by Humans of VALORANT, a mini-documentary series spotlighting players whose lives were changed by the game. Wrapping up the online rollout is a feature on gaming culture, with interviews from creators like Damods, Razzie, and Amara, who grew alongside VALORANT and now give back to the community that supported their journey.
VALORANT in the Metro
The celebration comes to life on ground with a series of immersive experiences in Metro Manila. Things start off with an unveiling of vibrant murals, with the biggest at one of the Tenement Basketball Courts in Taguig City, hand-painted by renowned illustrator and muralist Jappy Agoncillo. A street art legend based in New York, Agoncillo, along with other notable artists, brings to life local moments that have shaped the Pinoy VALORANT scene through striking murals designed to captivate the public. Capping off with a playful twist, VALORANT will set up Jeepney Karaokes. By transforming jeepneys into mobile karaoke booths, Riot PH will bring the sound and spirit of VALORANT to the streets.
Whether a seasoned Duelist from the beta days, a Controller who keeps the team together, or a content creator who helped shape the scene, VALORANT’s fifth anniversary celebration is for every player. “In the Philippines, we don’t say ‘Laro tayo,’ we say, ‘Tara, VALO’, and that says everything,” Roberto shared. “This campaign is a thank-you letter to every Filipino player. They are not just part of the story, they are the story.”
Stay tuned for official announcements and updates on VALORANT’s fifth anniversary online activities and offline events. Join the celebrations by following #TaraVALO on social media, and VALORANT’s official Facebook and Instagram channels.
Banner photo from VALORANT.