Riot Games commemorates the 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) with an array of groundbreaking music initiatives, featuring the VCT anthem “Ticking Away” composed by acclaimed artists Grabbitz and bbno$. Alongside an impressive lineup of performances for the Finals Opening Ceremony, the celebrations extend to pop-up activations across Los Angeles.
Music has always played a significant role in the VALORANT experience, and this year’s VCT anthem, “Ticking Away” by Grabbitz and bbno$, embodies this tradition. The music video and track will hit digital streaming platforms on Monday, July 31, 2023. Merging rock elements with pulsating electronic beats, “Ticking Away” marks Grabbitz’s third collaboration with Riot for a VCT anthem. Notably, his 2021 hit single “Die For You” achieved around 61 million YouTube views and 80 million Spotify plays. Additionally, he was the writer and producer behind the 2022 VCT anthem “Fire Again,” performed by Ashnikko.
Witnessing its live debut, “Ticking Away” will be performed by Grabbitz and bbno$ during the Opening Ceremony at the VALORANT Champions Finals on Saturday, August 26, at the Forum. The event will also feature ericdoa performing his 2023 blockbuster VALORANT single, “GREATER THAN ONE,” while vocalists Emei and Jazz Alonso unveil a surprise track produced by ARB4, previously known for collaborating with VALORANT on the 2022 single “Raja” alongside Tienas and Mangal Suvernan. Anticipated by over 10,000 on-site spectators, the Finals and Opening Ceremony are estimated to attract more than 2 million online viewers.
Leading up to the Finals, Riot Games is set to offer immersive musical experiences throughout Los Angeles. In collaboration with renowned event producers Brownies & Lemonade, VALORANT will host a one-night music event on Wednesday, August 23, in downtown LA. Further information on the event will be unveiled shortly through Riot and Brownies & Lemonade’s social channels. Furthermore, VALORANT will infuse music and lifestyle into various LA neighborhoods through a branded DJ truck, stationed at multiple pop-up locations from August 13 to 23.
“Reflecting and amplifying music culture is in VALORANT’s DNA, and we have an innovative slate of activations for VAL players and esports fans throughout the Champions Tour,” said Maria Egan, Global Head of Music and Events for Riot Games. “Between the anthem, Opening Ceremony performances and local pop-ups, the VCT will introduce the thousands in attendance in Los Angeles and the millions watching from around the world to some of the most exciting new artists around the VALORANT community.”
“It’s been an honor to work with VALORANT for three years in a row now,” said Grabbitz. “To see the impact the songs have had on the community and the players has been astonishing.”
