Reports: EG allow Valorant roster to explore new option or accept pay reductions

Valorant powerhouse Evil Geniuses (EG) faces roster uncertainty as the organization reportedly allows players to explore new opportunities or accept significant pay cuts.

The reigning Valorant world Champions, Evil Geniuses (EG), are grappling with a roster shakeup that has left their championship-winning team at a crossroads. Reports suggest that EG has given their players the green light to explore offers from other organizations or, if they decide to stay, accept a substantial pay cut.

This bombshell revelation comes hot on the heels of EG’s decision to release their reserve roster, which included notable figures such as Brendan “BcJ” Jensen, Jeffery “Reformed” Lu, and Vincent “Apothen” Le. Valorant reporter Max “purest” Katz was the first to break this shocking development. According to Katz, EG’s starting roster is now in a state of uncertainty as they contemplate their future with the organization.

Sources: EG has let their starting roster explore their options. If they do stay with the org they would be subjected to a significant pay cut.#VCT

— Max Katz (@purest) September 11, 2023

 

The underlying narrative behind this development was subtly hinted at in the days leading up to the official announcement. A series of cryptic posts on social media platforms by EG’s star players, each expressing a growing sense of disillusionment, offered subtle clues about the upheaval brewing within the roster.

I miss old esports

Where if you were good, you were on a good team

Where there was something to grind for, and if you did it successfully, you got to reap the benefits

Where winning was everything

— EG Ethan (@ethanarnold) September 11, 2023

 

Ethan Arnold, a star player instrumental in EG’s championship journey, expressed his discontent with the decision in a sentimental tweet. Similar sentiments were echoed by other members of the roster, such as Corbin “C0M” Lee and Alexander “jawgemo” Mor, who voiced their concerns about the changing dynamics of esports.

Nothing is perfect, winning doesnt mean anything until next time.

— EG JAWGEMO (@jawgemo) September 11, 2023

 

As of now, EG has not issued an official statement regarding the departure of their roster or their plans for the upcoming 2024 season. The players, however, are faced with a critical decision: stay together and accept substantial pay cuts or explore opportunities elsewhere.

The Broader Implications

This sudden twist highlights the precarious nature of esports careers, even for the most successful teams. EG’s journey from underachievers to world champions in Valorant Champions 2023 was nothing short of remarkable. Still, their current predicament serves as a stark reminder of the volatility that can characterize esports careers.

Furthermore, this situation is not an isolated incident within the esports realm. Just a month ago, The Guard, another prominent Valorant team, disbanded their entire roster following a dispute over a partnership agreement with Riot Games, despite their triumphant victory in Ascension.

The broader esports community is now left contemplating the elusive concept of job security in a field where even achieving the pinnacle of success does not guarantee a stable career. As both fans and players anxiously await further developments from EG, the fate of this championship-winning roster remains uncertain, highlighting the unpredictable nature of esports on the grand stage.

Header: Riot Games