VALORANT, the global 5v5 character-based shooter that reshaped the gaming landscape, is marking its fifth year with a special tribute to Filipino players and communities who helped define its journey in the Philippines. Riot Games Philippines is rolling out a series of events from June to July 2025 that will honor the game’s cultural impact and showcase how it evolved into more than just a shooter—it became a local movement.

Launching a month-long celebration, Riot will blend virtual and physical experiences to spotlight how VALORANT inspired Filipino creativity, from late-night PC café grinds to fan-made art and competitive feats. The campaign will feature a dynamic mix of content and events across music, storytelling, and gaming that celebrate the question: “Bakit VALORANT?”

Originally known as “Project A” during its 2020 Closed Beta launch, VALORANT quickly exploded in popularity, reaching over 35 million monthly players five years later. With 27 Agents from 21 nations and a player base dominated by Gen Z, VALORANT has become the world’s top-viewed FPS esport, capping off 2024 with a record-breaking 9.1 million peak viewers during Champions Seoul.

The game has earned multiple global accolades including back-to-back Best Esports Game awards at The Game Awards (2022, 2023), Esports Game of the Year (2024), and a Sports Emmy nomination in 2025 for VALORANT Champions Grand Finals coverage. In the Philippines, it was crowned Esports Game Title of the Year at the 2024 Philippine Esports Awards—evidence of its unmatched influence and evolution from online battles to arena-packing spectacles.

VALORANT’s expansion reached new heights in 2024 with its launch on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, followed by the release of VALORANT Mobile in China in April 2025. Locally, its impact extends beyond play—it empowered Filipino esports talent to rise on the world stage. From Team Secret competing internationally, NAOS placing second in a major Challengers split, to standout players like PatMen joining elite squads such as Paper Rex en route to Masters Toronto 2025, Filipino players are making waves.

“We want to celebrate everything Filipino players brought to VALORANT—from the memes to the grind,” says Jason Roberto, Brand Manager at Riot Games Philippines. “It’s more than a game; it’s become part of our culture. This is our way of saying thank you and showing that the journey is just getting started.”

The celebration kicked off June 2 with a tribute video capturing VALORANT’s five-year legacy in the Philippines. This will be followed by Humans of VALORANT, a mini-doc series spotlighting everyday players, and a content feature on creators like Damods, Razzie, and Amara—figures who grew with the game and now give back to its community.

Offline festivities bring the campaign to the streets, with vibrant murals appearing around Metro Manila, including one at the Tenement Basketball Court in Taguig City painted by renowned muralist Jappy Agoncillo. The fun continues with Jeepney Karaoke booths, transforming the country’s most iconic ride into mobile stages where fans can celebrate the game through song.

From veterans of the Beta to today’s rising stars, every Filipino gamer has shaped VALORANT’s story. As Roberto puts it, “In the Philippines, we don’t say ‘Laro tayo,’ we say, ‘Tara, VALO.’ That says it all.”

Stay updated with all the anniversary activities and announcements by following #TaraVALO on social media and checking VALORANT’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.