Valorant Mobile launches in China on Aug 19, 2025 with 70M pre-registrations, a $1.3M esports circuit, and a BBNO$ collab fueling the hype.
image credit : Riot Games, Tencent Games
Summary of this article –
Riot Games is gearing up for one of its biggest launches yet.
A record-breaking millions of players are already lined up to play.
A huge esports plan is being rolled out alongside the game.
Riot is also bringing in a global music star to set the vibe.
All eyes are on how this move will shake up the mobile gaming scene.
On August 19, 2025, Riot Games will officially launch Valorant Mobile in China — marking one of the biggest steps yet for the tactical shooter franchise. The excitement is massive, with over 70 million pre-registrations already recorded. To take things further, Riot is also introducing a $1.3 million annual esports circuit, pushing Valorant Mobile directly into competitive gaming from day one.
Adding a pop-culture punch, Riot has partnered with Canadian rapper BBNO$, who is releasing a brand-new track titled “In My Zone” as part of the launch celebrations.
Valorant Mobile China Launch: Key Highlights
Launch Date & Time: August 19, 2025, at 7:00 AM CST (4:30 AM IST / Aug 18, 11:00 PM UTC).
Pre-Load Access: Available since August 15, letting fans download the game early.
Platforms: iOS and Android (exclusive China launch for now, with English support tested).
Pre-Registrations: Surpassed 70 million players, setting records ahead of release.
Esports Circuit: Riot and Tencent’s National Competition with a $1.3M yearly prize pool — signaling an instant competitive push.
Riot x BBNO$: Music Meets Gaming
Riot Games is known for blending music and gaming (like K/DA in League of Legends), and this time, they’re bringing in BBNO$ to energize the Valorant Mobile launch.
Track: “In My Zone” drops on August 18, 2025.
Usage: Featured in the official launch trailer and across promotional campaigns.
Impact: Designed as a hype anthem, the collab ensures the launch resonates with both Chinese and global audiences.
This partnership highlights Riot’s strategy of fusing esports with pop culture, keeping Valorant Mobile fresh, trendy, and youth-focused.
Why Valorant Mobile’s China Launch Matters
China’s Gaming Powerhouse: With 600+ million mobile gamers, China provides the perfect battleground. Riot aims to rival giants like COD Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang by bringing its tactical FPS experience to smartphones.
Esports Ecosystem: The $1.3M National Competition confirms Riot’s vision to establish Valorant Mobile as a serious esports title, not just another mobile shooter.
Cultural Impact: Collaborating with BBNO$ makes Valorant’s debut a cultural event, blending music, gaming, and lifestyle to capture Gen-Z audiences.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the hype, Riot faces major hurdles:
Heavy Competition: COD Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and MLBB already dominate mobile esports. Valorant will need to prove its tactical uniqueness.
Tech & Servers: Previous test runs faced restrictions, raising performance concerns. Tencent’s infrastructure will be key to stability.
Global Release Uncertainty: For now, only China is confirmed. Global fans are eager, with leaks suggesting announcements soon, but Riot has stayed silent on worldwide rollout plans.
Quick Recap
Detail | Info |
Launch Date | Aug 19, 2025 – 7:00 AM CST |
Platforms | iOS, Android (China first) |
Pre-Registrations | 70M+ players |
Esports Plan | $1.3M annual National Competition |
Music Collab | “In My Zone” by BBNO$ (Aug 18 release) |
Challenges | Strong competitors, server stability, global delay |
Final Word
The Valorant Mobile China launch is set to become one of the biggest mobile gaming events of 2025. With record-breaking pre-registrations, a dedicated esports league, and the BBNO$ collab adding cultural flair, Riot Games is betting big on carving out a global space in the mobile FPS scene.
Whether Valorant Mobile can unseat COD Mobile and MLBB remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this launch marks a new era for mobile esports and could redefine competitive gaming worldwide.