Out of Partnership, Not Out of VALORANT: DRX and Nongshim Look Toward VCT 2027

At first glance, it read like an ending. Then came the promise to see fans again in 2027. A team losing its partner slot is not the same as the team logging off forever.

On October 19, KIWOOM DRX posted an official X statement saying it was not selected for the next VCT partnership cycle. It recalled the Vision Strikers era and promised continued dedication. Nongshim's Evans Oh also announced non-selection while describing plans to compete in 2027, refine the roster and connect with fans.

The distinction between a partner slot and eligibility to compete lies at the heart of the debate. Riot's revised structure reduces long-term partner positions from ten to eight in each of four international leagues, while non-partner teams have an open-qualifier path. Losing predictable partnership support matters; it does not amount to an automatic disbandment order.

Public r/ValorantCompetitive threads show surprise that such a storied organization as DRX is outside partnership, concern for its players and discussion of what qualifiers could mean. Those international community comments are observed examples, not a poll of Korean fans.

A partner slot affects funding, planning and identity. But a competition with a qualification route also raises a more interesting question: what should be earned on the server, and what should be granted through a long-term agreement?

Confirmed: DRX and Nongshim each announced 2027 partnership non-selection on October 19 and signaled continued participation in the VALORANT scene. Reports corroborate the reduction in partner positions. Neither an organizational shutdown nor specific player transfers nor a guaranteed spot in the 2027 main event has been established.

Future roster and qualifier details require new official notices from the teams and tournament organizer. Non-selection should not be misrepresented as full disbandment or certain qualification.