As I reflect on the history of VALORANT's cosmetic collections, one bundle always stands out in my memory: the Champions 2021 collection. It feels like just yesterday when the entire community was buzzing with anticipation for the inaugural global championship event. Riot Games, in their signature style of tying gameplay to esports celebration, didn't just release an anthem; they created a tangible piece of that historic moment for players to own. But what made this particular skin bundle so special, and why does it still hold a legendary status among collectors today, years after its release?

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The Heart of the Bundle: Purpose and Proceeds

For me, the most compelling aspect of the Champions 2021 bundle was its intent. This wasn't merely another set of flashy cosmetics. Riot Games explicitly designed it as a limited-edition offering for players to show direct support for the competing teams at the first-ever VALORANT Champions tournament. The commitment was groundbreaking: 50% of the net proceeds from the entire collection were distributed among the participating teams. This created a powerful, direct link between the player base and the esports ecosystem. Purchasing a skin felt like buying a ticket to support the entire competitive scene's growth. Isn't that a more meaningful reason to invest in a cosmetic than just its visual appeal?

A Curated Collection: Vandal, Melee, and More

Unlike the sprawling bundles we sometimes see today, the Champions 2021 collection was notably focused and curated. It consisted of just two weapon skins:

  • Champions 2021 Vandal: The centerpiece of the bundle.

  • Champions 2021 Melee: A dedicated knife skin.

This selective approach made the bundle feel exclusive and significant. Each item had to carry the weight of representing the entire championship. The bundle also included several player cards and other cosmetics that players could unlock for free, adding value and allowing everyone to participate in the celebration to some degree.

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Visuals and In-Game Presence

So, how did these skins actually look and feel? The aesthetic was distinctly celebratory and victorious. The Vandal skin, in particular, featured a unique kill animation that bestowed a "Champion's aura" effect—a glowing, prestigious visual cue that signaled a takedown. This was more than a skin; it was a statement. The melee skin complemented this with a design that felt weighty and ceremonial, fitting for a champion's tool. I remember watching early showcases and being struck by how the design captured the grandeur of the esports moment it was commemorating.

Legacy, Availability, and Rarity

From my perspective as a long-time player, the legacy of this bundle is defined by its strict availability. Riot Games made it clear from the start:

  • Availability Window: It was only in the in-game store from November 24th to December 12th, 2021.

  • No Returns: The skins would never reappear in the Night Market or the regular store rotation after that period.

  • Price Point: The complete bundle cost 6,250 Valorant Points (VP).

This "one-and-done" policy cemented its status as a true collector's item. In 2026, seeing a player with the Champions 2021 Vandal or Melee is an immediate signal of a veteran who was present and invested in the scene during its foundational year. It's a digital badge of history. Could any subsequent bundle truly replicate the significance of being the first?

Final Reflections

Looking back from 2026, the Champions 2021 skin bundle represents a pivotal philosophy in VALORANT's development: deeply integrating the esports narrative into the core player experience. It set a precedent for how cosmetic releases could serve a dual purpose—enhancing personal gameplay while fueling the professional circuit. While many beautiful and innovative skins have been released since, the Champions 2021 collection remains iconic. It's a timeless reminder of where it all began for VALORANT on the world stage, frozen in polygonal form for those of us who were there to witness it. Its value now lies not just in its design, but in the story it tells and the era it represents.