PSG Talon Kicked from VCT Pacific and LCP Over Unpaid Salaries
Riot Games has abruptly terminated TALON Esports partnerships with both the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific and League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), due to delays in player and staff payments alongside a failure to prove financial stability.
The decision was announced on November 18, 2025, immediately freeing all players from both rosters to become free agents ahead of the 2026 season, injecting high profile talent into the Pacific market.
Riot Games Removes Talon from the LCPhttps://t.co/Tp4gfhkqZi pic.twitter.com/O2uw15TGhU
— LCP (@lolpacificen) November 18, 2025
Riot’s Breaking Point: Months of Warnings Ignored
Riot revealed they had collaborated extensively with TALON for over a month, offering multiple extensions to resolve the issues. “TALON’s failure to operate in accordance with league standards, especially significant delays in payments to players and coaches,” Riot stated, emphasizing the org’s inability to demonstrate “sufficient financial capacity.”
TALON had pledged to fix payments by September 2025 but fell short, amid broader struggles like delayed funding rounds. Jake Sin, Head of VCT Pacific Esports, called it a “really tough decision” after weeks of efforts, prioritizing a replacement that “resonates with our Thai community.”
This marks the second major VCT partner removal this year, following Movistar KOI from EMEA.
Players Hit Free Agency:
League of Legends (PSG Talon):
- Huang ‘Azhi’ Shang-chih
- Hung ‘Karsa’ Hau-hsuan
- Huang ‘Maple’ Yi-tang
- Lu ‘Betty’ Yu-hung
- Lin ‘Woody’ Hung-yu
- Thanamethk ‘Crws Mahatthananuyut
- Jittana ‘JitboyS’ Nokngam
- Papaphat ‘Primmie’ Sriprapha
- Anupong ‘thyy’ Preamsak
- Tanate ‘killua’ Teerasawad
TALON’s Response: Acceptance Amid Regret
TALON issued an emotional statement: “We fully accept Riot’s decision and appreciate their continued efforts… This decision comes in response to delays in a funding round.” They expressed hope for future resolutions but respected Riot’s move.
The org, once partnered with Paris Saint-Germain (ended January 2025), had exited Dota 2, CS2, TFT, and more earlier in 2025 amid cost cutting.
Replacements Incoming:
Riot is fast-tracking successors:
- LCP: Eyeing promotion contenders like Dino Saigon or Deep Cross Gaming.
- VCT Pacific: Selective APAC invites issued; BOOM Esports speculated after prior promotions.
This shakeup underscores esports brutal financial realities, even Pacific stalwarts aren’t safe without solid backing.
Since: October 29, 2025
