LYON set to sign Valyn pending VCT Americas partnership slot
The Mexico-based organization is reportedly targeting G2's award-winning IGL as part of a bid to break into Valorant's top-tier Americas league
Mexican esports organization LYON is reportedly moving to sign Jacob “Valyn” Batio, the decorated in-game leader currently on G2 Esports, contingent on the organization securing a partnership slot in the VALORANT Champions Tour Americas league.
VCT Americas is a closed, Riot Games-managed league where organizations hold slots by invitation and approval, not by simply finishing first in a qualifier. LYON would need to go through a formal partnership process, with interviews for prospective entrants scheduled for mid-to-late July 2026.
Who is Valyn, and why does he matter
Valyn, born January 4, 2003, has built one of the more impressive resumes in North American Valorant over a relatively short career. He joined G2 Esports in September 2023 and quickly established himself as one of the league’s most impactful leaders.
Between 2024 and 2025, he picked up both Controller of the Year and IGL of the Year honors in VCT Americas. Career winnings have surpassed $200K.
As of early September 2026, Valyn remains on G2’s active roster and participated in VCT Americas Stage 2 playoffs. His contract with G2 runs through early September 2026, meaning any transition window is narrow and timing-sensitive.
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LYON’s ambitions and the road to partnership
LYON has operated primarily at the Challengers level, competing in Latin America North rather than in the partnered VCT Americas league. The organization merged with Six Karma in December 2025, and then won back-to-back victories at VCT 2026 LAN stages. Total earnings from those runs came to approximately $20.5K. The organization is managed by Reptile, and activity appears to have slowed since the LAN victories.
Partnership interviews are reportedly scheduled for mid-to-late July 2026. If LYON does not secure a slot, the Valyn signing, assuming it is real, would either fall apart entirely or result in the player joining an organization with no path to the top league.
What this means for G2, LYON, and VCT Americas
There is still no formal confirmation from Valyn, G2, or LYON. The report originated from a brief social media statement and has not been independently verified by any of the parties involved. The sequence of events that would need to align — Valyn departing G2, LYON clearing partnership interviews, and a contract being finalized — leaves multiple points where the deal could stall or collapse entirely.