Five years. In the fast-paced world of gaming, that’s an eternity. Yet, VALORANT, Riot Games’ groundbreaking 5v5 tactical shooter, doesn’t just survive – it thrives, especially here in the Philippines. As VALORANT celebrates its monumental fifth anniversary, Riot Games Philippines is pulling out all the stops to honor the passionate Pinoy players and communities who have been instrumental in shaping the game’s vibrant local scene.
From June to July 2025, get ready for a celebration unlike any other. This isn’t just about in-game events; it’s a multi-faceted tribute showcasing VALORANT’s deep footprint in Filipino culture, spanning art, music, and creative expression that extends far beyond the digital battlefield.
From “Project A” to Global Phenomenon: VALORANT Unstoppable Rise
Remember “Project A”? During the height of the global pandemic, a closed beta launched, and the gaming world was never the same. VALORANT swiftly transcended its humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic tactical shooters globally. Five years on, it boasts a staggering 35 million monthly active players, with an impressive 70% of its user base comprising Gen Z.
With 27 Agents hailing from 21 countries, VALORANT has blossomed into a global platform for thrilling competitive play and a breeding ground for diverse, passionate gaming communities. Its esports scene is nothing short of legendary. Following its record-breaking 2024 season-ender, Champions Seoul, which garnered a jaw-dropping 9.1 million peak and 44.3 million unique viewers, VALORANT cemented its status as the world’s most-viewed first-person shooter (FPS) esport.
The accolades speak for themselves. VALORANT snagged “Best Esports Game” at The Game Awards in both 2022 and 2023, and “Esports Game of the Year” in 2024. Its influence even extends beyond gaming, with a nomination for “Outstanding Esports Championship Coverage” for the VALORANT Champions 2024 Grand Finals at the prestigious 2025 Sports Emmy Awards. And right here at home, the game proudly received the “Esports Game Title of the Year” at the 2024 Philippine Esports Awards. These honors are a testament to VALORANT’s revolutionary impact on the shooter genre, evolving from fully virtual tournaments to electrifying, arena-shaking global esports spectacles.
Beyond the PC, VALORANT continued its expansion last year with its highly anticipated console debut on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5 in key regions like the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Brazil. The momentum continues to build, with Riot Games recently announcing the exclusive China release of VALORANT Mobile in April 2025. The future is looking bright for new ways to play!
The “Bakit VALORANT?” Story: A Uniquely Pinoy Experience
In the Philippines, VALORANT is more than just a game; it’s a shared experience, a unifying force that brings together players from all walks of life. The local community is not just passionate; it’s a wellspring of Filipino talent making significant waves on the global stage. We’ve seen the rise of all-Filipino powerhouse Team Secret competing internationally, NAOS securing a commendable second place in a recent Challengers split, and individual Filipino players joining renowned global teams like Global Esports. Most recently, former NAOS prodigy Patrick “PatMen” Mendoza joined Southeast Asian esports giant Paper Rex, playing a pivotal role in their recent victory as they head to VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025. Our Pinoy pride is undeniable!
“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,” shares Jason Roberto, Brand Manager for VALORANT at Riot Games Philippines. “And of course, show our players that the best is yet to come for VALORANT. 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 VALORANT?'”
At the heart of this month-long celebration is precisely that question: “Bakit VALORANT?” What drives you to play? What memories have you forged? The campaign promises community-driven, multi-layered online and offline experiences, featuring a captivating mix of storytelling, cultural expression, and digital activations that will highlight iconic gameplay moments, unforgettable fan-made content, and the game’s profound impact on Filipino player culture.
Immersive Experiences: From Digital Tributes to Real-World Murals
The fifth-anniversary festivities kicked off in the Philippines on June 2. Riot PH unveiled a moving tribute video – a dynamic montage woven with breathtaking art, electrifying gameplay highlights, iconic community moments, and monumental esports milestones that have shaped the game over the past five years.
Following this digital masterpiece is “Humans of VALORANT,” a heartwarming mini-documentary and visual story series. This series will shine a spotlight on everyday players whose lives have been positively transformed by the game, offering a deeply personal look into the VALORANT community. Wrapping up the online rollout is a special feature on gaming culture, with insightful interviews from beloved creators like Damods, Razzie, and Amara, who have grown alongside VALORANT and now tirelessly give back to the very community that championed their journey.
But the celebration isn’t confined to the digital realm! Prepare for an immersive experience right here in Metro Manila. The festivities will come to life with the unveiling of vibrant murals across the city. The crown jewel? A massive mural at one of the Tenement Basketball Courts in Taguig City, hand-painted by the renowned illustrator and muralist, Jappy Agoncillo. This street art legend, based in New York, along with other notable artists, is bringing to life local moments that have distinctly shaped the Pinoy VALORANT scene through striking murals designed to captivate the public and celebrate our unique flair.
And for a truly playful twist, VALORANT will be setting up “Jeepney Karaokes.” Imagine traditional jeepneys transformed into mobile karaoke booths, bringing the unmistakable sound and spirit of VALORANT directly to the streets – a perfect blend of gaming and Filipino street culture!
Whether you’re a seasoned Duelist who was there during the beta days, a dedicated Controller who keeps your team together, or a creative content creator who helped shape the scene, VALORANT’s fifth-anniversary celebration is for every single player.
“In the Philippines, we don’t say ‘Laro tayo,’ we say, ‘Tara, VALO,’ and that says everything,” Roberto proudly concludes. “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 exciting offline events. Don’t miss out on the celebrations – join the conversation by following #TaraVALO on social media, and make sure to follow VALORANT’s official Facebook and Instagram channels for all the latest!
