Riot has announced the removal of Team Secret from the VCT Pacific League ahead of the 2026 season, citing a "failure to comply with critical reporting requirements and other key obligations under the Team Participation Agreement". Their slot will be taken up by BOOM Esports, who most recently finished third at Pacific’s Ascension.
Entering the competitive scene back in 2021, Team Secret managed to hold its own within APAC's Challengers, but was barely able to break into an international event. Despite being among the initial batch of orgs accepted into the partnership leagues, Team Secret fought through Tier 1, and secured the last place ticket in Pacific 2025.
BOOM looked ready to mirror the achievements of 2024 BOOM in this year's Ascension, coming second. The team dominated the Pacific Stage 1 Groups and made their way all the way to the lower finals of Pacific Ascension 2025, but fell in a heartbreaking four-map thriller to Nongshim Redforce.
Initially promised two years within the Pacific League, Team Secret were slated for one more year of participation before being removed from the VCT. Riot has stated that their vacant slot will now be occupied by BOOM, while the Pacific League will continue with 12 teams this year.
BOOM are guaranteed this upcoming year, but according to the upcoming revised rule set regarding franchising teams, their performance within and outside of the VCT will most likely determine how long their stay lasts.
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