Japanese esports organization VARREL announced their return to VALORANT by merging with South Korean team SLT Seongnam. The combined squad will compete in VCT Pacific 2026.
SLT Joins VARREL Banner
VARREL formed their VALORANT division in January 2023 and competed in multiple tournaments before pausing operations in September 2024. During this break, they partnered with SLT Seongnam, finding shared values and competitive vision.
SLT’s players and staff now operate under VARREL for the 2026 season. The merger creates a cross-border team combining Japan’s organizational strength with South Korea’s young talent pool.
VARREL aims to build a solid support system for international competition, establish Japan-Korea management model, and operate an academy team to boost Japanese competitive level.
Official Announcement Highlights
VARREL CEO Fumio Suzuki expressed excitement about the partnership. “I feel it is fate that we met such a wonderful team as SLT while continuously searching for opportunities to restart the VALORANT division.”
SLT COO Kim Han-young added, “SLT eSports has merged with VARREL and will open the first page of a new history together. VARREL’s strong vision and professional system will serve as a foothold for our players to make an even greater leap forward.”
Reborn for Triple Elimination Kickoff
VARREL enters VCT Pacific right as the league debuts triple elimination format at Kickoff on January 22. The 12-team league includes strong competition from Paper Rex, DRX, T1, and new entrants like Full Sense.
The merger positions VARREL to challenge immediately with SLT’s proven Pacific experience. SLT competed successfully in Ascension, showing readiness for tier-one play.
This Japan-Korea collaboration energizes VCT Pacific representation while creating new rivalries and storylines for the 2026 season.
