Team Vitality punched their ticket to the EWC Valorant playoffs on July 4 with a 2-1 series win over NRG in Group B action. The match itself was a hard-fought affair in Paris, but the more interesting storyline for crypto watchers is happening in the sponsorship booths and on prediction market platforms operating alongside the $2 million Valorant tournament.
Crypto gets a seat at the table, with conditions
EWC 2026 introduced new sponsorship guidelines that, for the first time, allow French-licensed cryptocurrency and blockchain companies to participate in the event. Crypto firms can place their logos on team jerseys and run digital advertising. What they can’t do is set up on-site activations or run any integrations involving actual tokens.
Coinbase bets on prediction markets
Among the crypto firms engaging with the tournament, Coinbase has made the most visible move by launching prediction markets tied to Valorant map outcomes during EWC matches.
