This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the VCT Americas Block Party in New York City. I also had the fortune to chat with Dillon Publishing manager at Riot Games about the future of Valorant and the Block Party events. Riot Games put on an amazing event, and I want to give a huge shout-out to their team for making it such a memorable experience.
From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere was electric. The streets outside at Pier 17 were buzzing with excitement, and fans from all over had gathered to celebrate their love for Valorant Esports. One of the highlights was the awesome block party merchandise that was available. It was a thrill to see so many people sporting their new gear, all united by their passion for the game. They had some awesome jackets and a nice VCT Americas jersey, some shirts and some lanyards for each operator.
The themed food was another standout feature. Mao’s Baos and Shah’s Halal provided delicious options that added a unique flavor to the event. The combination of these culinary delights and the lively crowd created a festive environment that was perfect for a day dedicated to gaming and the Valorant community.
Screens were set up all over the space, broadcasting the matches live. On stage, we had the pleasure of seeing Tarik, iTTzTimmy, and Joshseki in action. Before the event officially kicked off, there was a small meet and greet with Tarik and Timmy, which was a fantastic opportunity to interact with some of the most well-known faces in the Valorant community.
For those of you who watched the matches live, I won’t go into the details of the games. But I will say this, if you ever get the chance to attend a Block Party event, don’t miss it! The energy in the crowd was palpable, and the experience of watching the matches surrounded by fellow fans is something truly special.
One of the most exciting parts of the event was getting to try out the upcoming console version of Valorant. I told the crew it will be very popular once it’s released. The user interface is simple and clean, making it easy to navigate, and the controls are intuitive. For someone with prior controller gaming experience, it felt slightly easier to play, but it maintained all the elements that make Valorant so engaging. The aim assist was snappy and the movement felt smooth but a little stiff at times. I know a few console gamers dying to get their hands on this game.
The crew is excited to expand and visit many more cities, hoping to keep the support of the fans strong. When asked about the possibility of seeing pro players on console or mobile on the main stage, Phillip was hopeful but unsure. We also briefly touched on the unique trophies across regions and tournaments, highlighting Riot’s commitment to embracing the international community. They want each region to have trophies they can be proud of, reflecting the diversity and uniqueness of the global Valorant community. Yes, they may have seen the memes surrounding the EMEA trophy but in my opinion it highlights the hard work and creativity behind the scenes.
Overall, the event was phenomenal. The production team and hosts did an exceptional job, and everyone in attendance had an amazing time. The crowd was fully locked in during the matches and hyped during the intermissions, especially when Tarik and Timmy threw merch into the crowd. After the matches, we watched the pools get sorted for the upcoming championship, with many Sentinels fans expressing their disappointment. Zellsis even said “it feels like Madrid all over again”.
The VCT Americas Block Party was a resounding success, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. If you ever have the chance to get tickets to a future event, I highly recommend it. It’s an experience that’s totally worth it. We will see you at the next Block Party!
