SLT Seongnam Signed by Japanese Org VARREL Ahead of VCT Pacific 2026

In a bold strategic move that reshapes the VCT Pacific landscape, SLT Seongnam, the dominant champions of VCT 2025 Ascension Pacific, have officially been signed by Japanese organization VARREL and will compete under the VARREL banner in VCT Pacific 2026. The announcement marks the launch of VARREL’s return to top-tier VALORANT competition, fusing the Japanese organization infrastructure with rising Korean competitive talent. Riot Games confirmed the acquisition.

SLT Seongnam’s Rise: Ascension Champions This Year

SLT Seongnam’s journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. In October 2025, they delivered one of the most dominating performances in Ascension history, entering VCT Ascension Pacific 2025, progressing through group stages without dropping a series, and sweeping BOOM Esports 3-0 in the finals to clinch promotion to the VCT Pacific league. Their discipline, explosive aim, and consistent performances underscored their readiness for franchise-level play.

SLT originally entered the VALORANT ecosystem in 2024 under the Rio Company banner, competing primarily in regional Korean events before earning broader recognition. Their next chapter began when they rebranded to SLT Seongnam, backed jointly by the Korean investment firm SLT and supported locally by the city government of Seongnam. This partnership helped stabilize the team structurally and financially, enabling them to pursue a full competitive campaign that would eventually culminate in their historic undefeated run through the 2025 Ascension Pacific circuit.

Riot Games specifically noted that VARREL’s ‘extensive history in esports and cross-regional roster management experience’ made the organization a fitting steward for the SLT core as they step onto the Pacific stage.

VARREL’s History and Return to VALORANT

VARREL is no newcomer to competitive VALORANT, though its presence has been sporadic. The team originated in early 2023 as a Japanese VALORANT squad competing in VALORANT Challengers Japan, achieving respectable placements such as 5th–6th in 2024 Japan Challengers Split 2 and 3rd–4th in an Advance Stage before pausing operations in late 2024. During that Challengers run, VARREL faced off against notable domestic competition but ultimately did not secure a permanent international league slot.

Off the VALORANT server, VARREL has a multi-game esports legacy dating back to its roots as Unsold Stuff Gaming, later rebranded following an acquisition and restructuring under Donuts Co. Ltd. and ultimately adopting the VARREL name in 2022. The organization has fielded rosters in games like Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, and League of Legends.

With the signing of SLT Seongnam’s roster, VARREL now returns to VALORANT at the highest regional level possible, the VCT League, and will compete full-time against the best teams in the Pacific ecosystem throughout the 2026 season.

From a competitive standpoint, VARREL now inherits a roster proven capable of undefeated runs, decisive map control, and ascension-level dominance, core attributes that increased their stock and made them an attractive partner. Their presence in VCT Pacific 2026 adds a narrative of another team brimming with Korean talent branching into the larger Pacific fray.

SLT will be competing as VL next year.

Find out more here: https://t.co/qg5ZqD33TI pic.twitter.com/1vQEHy64ZV

— VCT Pacific (@vctpacific) December 12, 2025

Looking Towards 2026: Expectations and Ambitions

As VARREL prepares for its debut in VCT Pacific 2026, expectations are high. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how this newly unified team adapts to long league seasons, tier-one pressure, and international competition. SLT’s players, including standout performers like Zexy, who earned MVP attention during Ascension finals, now step into a fully supported environment with more resources, coaching, and infrastructure behind them.

Before their transition to VARREL became official, SLT Seongnam demonstrated once again that they could contend with tier-one competition. At the SOOP VALORANT Off-Season Invitational, one of Korea’s high-profile post-season events, SLT finished in third place, placing just behind T1, who secured the championship, and Fnatic, who took second.

If SLT’s performance in Ascension and the SOOP Invitational was any indication, VARREL’s Pacific debut won’t be quiet: it may instead be a catalyst for a reshaped competitive hierarchy in one of VALORANT’s most dynamic regions.