How Valorant community’s stong voice prompts Riot to rethink the Guard move?

The Valorant esports community has been shaken by Riot Games’ recent decision regarding The Guard’s exclusion from VCT Americas. The move prompted a wave of backlash from fans, players, and pundits alike, reflecting the strong bond and passion within the Valorant ecosystem. The controversy surrounding this decision has caused Riot’s Head of Valorant esports, Leo Faria, to reevaluate their stance and engage with the community in a dialogue. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the unfolding situation, the community’s response, and the potential outcomes for The Guard and VCT Americas.

The Unfortunate Exclusion of The Guard

Riot Games’ announcement on August 29 dealt a heavy blow to The Guard, who had recently secured their spot in VCT Americas by winning Americas Ascension. The team’s accomplishments spoke volumes about their skills and determination, making their disqualification due to missing paperwork deadlines all the more disheartening.

The Power of a Petition

In the wake of The Guard’s removal, the Valorant community took matters into their own hands. A petition was launched, urging Riot Games to allow The Guard’s players to compete under a different, more functional organization. The petition has garnered over 9,000 signatures and is steadily increasing. Community members expressed various reasons for their support, including disagreement with Riot’s decision and advocating for the players’ rightful place in the league. 

A petition was started to ask Riot to allow The Guard players to play under another organization for the VCT Americas 2024 season

It currently sits at just over 4,000 signatures

🔗 https://t.co/A2Ix7jegPQ pic.twitter.com/5kqoY93lQ8

— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) August 30, 2023

 

The petition’s success showed the collective power of the Valorant community when united behind a shared cause. This demonstrated the strong sense of unity and solidarity that defines the esports ecosystem, as individual voices came together to form a harmonious chorus that resonated with both Riot Games and the wider audience.

Appealing to Influential Figures

The Guard’s Valorant coach, Josh ‘JoshRT’ Lee, escalated the situation by seeking support from unconventional sources. He reached out to notable figures like Elon Musk and Hollywood actor Ben Affleck, hoping their influence could sway Riot’s decision. JoshRT even suggested to rebrand the team as ‘X Gaming,’ inspired by Musk’s involvement on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Hey @elonmusk or @BenAffleck , I heard you like VALORANT?

X GAMING 2024:@valynfps @trentFPS @neT_valorant@JonahP_ @texerino
Head Coach: @JoshRTz https://t.co/fCJS1ysw87

— GUARD JoshRT (@JoshRTz) August 29, 2023

 

Although the move gained attention, Riot’s worries about potential complications from the change were justified. This incident highlighted the esports community’s ability to use creativity and innovation during times of difficulty, by using pop culture and influential individuals to amplify their message.

Ludwig and Other Voices of Reason

In the midst of the turmoil, influential voices within the Valorant community emerged to advocate for a more equitable resolution. Ludwig, a co-owner of Moist Esports, emphasized the importance of reconsidering the decision. He urged Riot to either allow The Guard to retain their slot and find a buyer for their contract and franchise fees or promote the runner-up, M80.

An update regarding the teams participating in VCT Americas 2024. pic.twitter.com/YCYoZSPpcL

— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) August 29, 2023

 

Ludwig’s personal investment in the scene lent weight to his appeal, as he had experienced firsthand the competitive journey and aspirations of teams like The Guard. His intervention brought attention to the far-reaching consequences of such decisions, reminding stakeholders that every action can reverberate through the esports landscape.

Community Backlash and Leo Faria’s Response

The Valorant community’s response to The Guard’s exclusion was not just a mere outcry but a passionate and well-articulated expression of disappointment. Fans, players, and pundits united in their criticism of Riot’s decision, labeling it short-sighted and unfair to the players who had invested time, energy, and dedication into their journey. 

Leo Faria, Global Head of Valorant Esports, acknowledged the community’s concerns and stated, “We hear you. There are still significant risks our team needs to dig into, but we’re working through this and hope to find a positive outcome for the players.”

I appreciate the passion with which you all showed up to advocate on behalf of the players. We hear you. There are still significant risks our team needs to dig into, but we’re working through this and hope to find a positive outcome for the players. We’ll update you all when we… https://t.co/CbMK1dQIjE

— Leo Faria (@lhfaria) August 30, 2023

 

Faria’s assurance hinted at potential reconsideration, indicating that Riot was open to finding an alternative solution that would satisfy both the community’s concerns and the organization’s underlying issues. This interaction marked a significant step towards fostering a more transparent and communicative relationship between the developers and the community.

Header: Riot Games