So will there be two spots open for next year if both fail to reach champions or something?
From my perspective,
if the 1st & 2nd ascension team failed to defend their spot in VCT 2025, it'll be 2 spots / 2 winners of ascension for VCT 2026.
But if there is 1 ascension team who can defend their spot in VCT 2025, maybe there is only 1 winner of Ascension 2025 and get promoted to VCT 2026.
AND if there's 1 permanent/partner team failed to build the ecosystem of VCT 2025 (either due to financially problems, etc) they'll be demoted, and there'll be another slots from Ascension.
I dunno man, the system makes my brain no braining.
I don't think it changes anything since they added BOOM and the new system already means one ascended team will be relegated no matter what (with chances of defending their T1 place on ascension tournament from 2025).
So it's pretty much a battle of Sin Prisa Gaming and BOOM next year to stay up.
edit: it says in the article
"BOOM are guaranteed this upcoming year, but according to the revised rule set regarding ascended teams, their performance within the VCT will most likely determine how long their stay lasts."