The tactical shooter Valorant is actually considered the next big game in eSports, but now there is a huge setback. The US team “The Guard” is seen as a fan favorite. They earned their promotion to the 1st league in 2023. However, on August 29, they were horrified to learn via Twitter that their promotion is not happening.
What is going on with Valorant?
- After Overwatch has fallen so badly and there is little happening with Fortnite, Valorant is considered “the next hot eSport title” that could catch up with CS:GO, LoL, or DOTA 2. Especially since Riot Games has gained a lot of experience through League of Legends. Both Elon Musk and Ben Affleck are fans.
- The top US league, VCT America League, was supposed to get an 11th member in 2024: The team “The Guard” had qualified for the 1st league during 2023. They earned their “Ascension” at tournaments in the challenger scene.
- But to the shock of fans, Riot Games has announced: The team will not promote. No other team will follow: The league remains with 10 teams.
Team has not managed to sign agreement in 7 months
Why is The Guard not allowed to promote? According to Riot Games, the team “failed to meet the deadline to agree to certain agreements after seven months and numerous rounds of communication.”
Therefore, The Guard will not play in the 1st league in 2024, and no other team will promote.
Players find out on Twitter, are bitterly disappointed
What is the reaction? The players of the team are horrified; they did not realize how bad their situation was.
Players say they are devastated. All the hard work and the sacrifices were in vain. It hits them particularly hard because they had no influence on the decision.
Only an hour after Riot Games’ announcement, the players shared their thoughts via Twitter:
As reported by dotesports, team members are pleading with Riot Games to give them a chance. But they seem to remain firm.
The organization also seems rather helpless (via twitter): Riot Games’ judgment is said to be “disappointing and unexpected.” This sounds strange when no contract was signed for 7 months, indicating there were serious issues.
This has brutally halted the meteoric rise of a team. The players seem to be looking for new teams.
There is one hope: Influencer and eSports player Disguised Toast has offered to sign the players to secure them the spot they deserve. However, whether the man is serious and can afford it is another story. Disguised Toast is known for betraying everything and everyone for a good PR stunt.
Meanwhile, Riot Games had first luck, now is the big winner of the crisis at Activision Blizzard and OverwatchThe tactical shooter has just spectacularly released in China. With Tencent, one of the most powerful gaming companies in the world, behind Riot Games and Valorant.
Update 7.9, 12:18 PM: Riot Games has been convinced to change their decision in the case of “The Guard”:
Valorant: Riot admits to making a mistake under high pressure from fans, changes harsh decision
