For Valorant fans, player cards are not just cosmetic flair—they’re badges of honor, marking participation in major esports moments and personal milestones. Among the most coveted is the Valorant Champions card, a collectible symbolizing engagement with the game’s biggest annual tournament. But how can you actually claim one?
What Is the Valorant Champions Card?
The Valorant Champions card is typically a limited-time player card released to coincide with the Valorant Champions tournament—Riot Games’ world championship event.
Each year, a new design reflects the vibe, aesthetic, and storyline of that season’s contest. It often becomes a highlight among players’ collections due to its exclusivity and event tie-in.
Main Ways to Get the Valorant Champions Card
- Watch Champions Grand Finals for Official Drops: The most reliable method is to watch the live broadcast of the Valorant Champions tournament’s grand final on official Riot Games channels, like YouTube or Twitch. Here’s how:
- Link your Riot (Valorant) account to your Twitch or YouTube account.
- Tune in to the official Valorant Champions finals stream during the designated broadcast period.
- Meet the viewing requirements—usually watching for a set amount of time (often as little as 20-30 minutes during the grand final).
- Receive the drop: Once eligible, the card is automatically delivered to your Valorant account, typically within 24 hours.
- Attend Riot-Hosted Watch Parties or Live Events: At some live, in-person watch parties for Champions, Riot has distributed exclusive codes for player cards and other rewards. If there’s an official event in your city, attending in person might earn you a Champions card along with unique regional content.
- Special Event Bundles and In-Game Promotions: Occasionally, Riot offers Champions player cards as rewards in themed event passes or through official bundles available for purchase in the in-game store. These are time-limited and tied to the tournament window, so check regularly during Champions season.
Step-by-Step Guide: Claim Your Valorant Champions Card via Streaming Drops
- Connect Accounts:
- YouTube: Go to your YouTube Settings, then navigate to “Connected Apps,” find “Riot Games,” click “Connect,” and sign in to your Riot account.
- Twitch: Go to your Twitch Settings, then “Connections,” find “Riot Games,” click “Connect,” and sign in to your Riot account.
- Watch the Grand Final: Join the live broadcast of the Valorant Champions grand finals on the official Twitch or YouTube channels at the designated date and time.
- Confirm Drop Eligibility: After the stream, you should see a notification that you’ve earned a drop. The player card will appear in your Valorant account inventory once it has been assigned.
Are There Other Ways to Get It?
- Previous Years’ Cards: Each championship typically has its own unique card. Past years’ cards are generally not rereleased, meaning their availability is specific to their respective event.
- Special Challenges: In rare cases, Riot may offer Champions-themed cards as rewards for completing specific achievements or exclusive challenges during the event period.
- Event Bundles: Some years, the Champions card has been included as part of premium bundles available for purchase only when the event is running. Always double-check the in-game store during championship windows for these offerings.
Final Tips for Success
- Stay Updated: Follow Valorant’s official regional social channels and Discord communities for the latest announcements about watch parties, specific redemption periods, and drop schedules.
- Keep Accounts Linked: Ensure your Riot account remains correctly connected to your Twitch/YouTube account both before and during the event to avoid missing out on any drops.
- Check Your Inventory: If the rewards don’t appear in your Valorant inventory after a reasonable waiting period (e.g., 24 hours), try restarting Valorant. If delays persist, you may need to contact Riot Games player support for assistance.
The Valorant Champions card stands as proof of your involvement with the game’s most prestigious moment. With a few simple steps—mostly involving account linking and event participation—you can claim this exclusive badge and proudly display it in your collection the next time you drop into the server.
Written by:
Christian