European esports organisations Team Heretics and CGN Esports have announced a VALORANT-focused strategic partnership.
As a result, both VALORANT teams will train together and prepare for major milestones, such as Team Heretics’ upcoming VCT EMEA season and CGN’s road to qualify for EMEA Ascension 2025.
According to the announcement, the partnership also provides a gateway for Team Heretics to enter the DACH region, which is where CGN is based. Likewise, CGN is looking to utilise the popularity of the VALORANT Champions 2024 runners-up to expand its presence in Spain.
Alongside training opportunities, the partnership will also see both organisations launch activations such as watch parties, community tournaments and content featuring players from both teams.
Both Team Heretics and CGN Esports will also launch co-branded merchandise, which includes a jersey and collectibles. Finally, the organisations revealed that offline events in Spain and Germany will be announced in 2025.
“Entering the DACH region with a strong partner like CGN is an honour for us,” commented Niklas Geiß, Team Heretics’ VCT and LEC Team Director.
“Heretics and CGN are united by a vision to inspire the next generation of esports fans through performance, creativity, and authentic community engagement.”
Founded in 2020, CGN Esports is a German esports organisation that currently competes in the VALORANT Challengers DACH league. Last year, its VALORANT roster missed out on promotion to VCT EMEA, finishing third in VCT Ascension EMEA 2024.
David Dick, COO of CGN Esports, added: “Partnering with Team Heretics, the VALORANT vice world champions, is a dream come true. This collaboration extends beyond esports; it’s about engaging with our fans and creating inspiring experiences, both in and out of the game.”
Introduced by VALORANT developer Riot Games last year, the Affiliate Partnerships programme allows VCT International League teams to create partnerships with Challenger or Game Changers teams. Since then, VCT EMEA teams such as GIANTX, Fnatic and FUT Esports have all secured Affiliate partnerships.
