Valorant Masters London 2026

Image credits to Valorant Esports 2026

Sooooooo it's been a while.

For a while I wasn't sure if I was ever going to get back to this blog - I've been completing graduate studies, and let me tell you, they're not joking when they say it takes over your life. I barely watched Worlds 2025, and was racing home to watch First Stand. But we are now in the home stretch of completing it and as a reward I took myself on a trip to my first LAN in nearly 2 years!

If you've read my previous blogs, you'll know I have very happy memories of Copper Box Arena - which is where MSI 2023 was hosted and is also where Valorant Masters was hosted this year. 

*all images are taken by me unless otherwise stated

Image credits to Riot Games

And as a reward for getting through graduate studies, (read: surviving my assignments) I decided last minute to attend Masters this year! I went on the 16th June which was XLG vs LEV and FUT vs VIT and oh my goshhhhhhh I had the best time - seriously, this was my first Valorant LAN and it was so so good. 

The view from my seat

The set up was pretty much the same as MSI, with merch at the top of the stairs leading to entrances A and B, and there was so much! A few things were sold out but for basically the last few days of the tournament it was still really good. I was able to get my hands on a wingman plushie keychain, which was literally the goal! 

The merch stand at Copper Box

Also the merch was really well priced - maybe it's because I'm used to kpop merch (cough cough the BTS tour) but the merch was such a fair price, like genuinely didn't need to mortgage my house or sell an organ. 

Much appreciated (I'll be doing that for kpop concerts instead)! My keychain went on my bag and stayed there the whole time. I love that it was a carabiner-type keychain so it's a lot sturdier than others and also it's just adorable what can I say?

Match 2 of the day

I had one main goal of attending Valo's LAN and that was to make a sign - as press I didn't have the time to make one at MSI and as I wasn't working this event, I was determined I would be making one. Best believe I all but ran to the sign / banner table (I'm not kidding - okay, I speed walked), and was sketching before people were even through the doors. 

My (poor) attempt at a sign

It was not my best artistic effort but the joy of getting to make a sign - seriously, I know it's small but it was something I always wanted to do and am so happy I got to. I have since *ahem* attempted to redo it but with my artistic abilities actually working - do you think it was an improvement? LOL. 

My (slightly) better attempt at a sign at home

Side note - I'm a hundred percent blaming jetlag for my artistic abilities being lackluster. 

Talking of things I got to do, I got to use thunder sticks, I remember getting a set at MSI 2023 but it wasn't really practical to use them. This time? I was practically insufferable. Someone did the slightest bit of damage? I was enthusiastically clapping - my apologies to the poor sods surrounding me as my enthusiasm was loud. 

Especially during the FUT / VIT match, that was so hype!!! I really like how a mosh pit has been introduced too, I didn't go into - I feel like I've had a lot of privileges when it comes to esports and other people deserve that interaction, and I really love that fans get that opportunity!

The walk on for FUT vs VIT

Also we have to talk about the anthem for Valorant Masters in London, I was listening to it on my journey across London and I genuienly think the music team smashed it. It just sounds like London, I really don't know how to explain it but it just feels like an embodiment of London. 

The flags of all the teams were such a cool touch

The banners approaching the venue

Truly I am so glad I made the decision to go to Masters - I had such a fun day and it was so nice to be back at a LAN event. You truly cannot beat the feeling of an arena cheering and staring open mouthed at a screen. It was just brilliant, that's all I can say really! (plus my pick ems survived the day!)