VALORANT Champions 2023 shaken by Hurricane Hilary

Riot Games has announced that the upcoming lower bracket matches on August 20th will be devoid of the usual live crowd atmosphere due to Hurricane Hilary’s imminent threat along the southwest coast of the United States.

In an unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated VALORANT Champions 2023 tournament is taking a unique twist due to Mother Nature’s unruly behavior. Just when we thought the excitement couldn’t get any higher, Hurricane Hilary stormed onto the scene, leading to an unprecedented change in plans. Riot Games, the brain behind this thrilling tournament, have just dropped a bombshell: the two lower bracket matches scheduled for August 20 will play out without the usual roaring live crowd at The Shrine in Los Angeles.

In anticipation of tomorrow’s severe weather in Los Angeles, we will not be facilitating a live audience at the Shrine.

Refunds will be available for all impacted ticket holders. #VALORANTChampions pic.twitter.com/BAqMkNvOZ8

— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) August 20, 2023

 

Hurricane Hilary is making its way up the southwestern coast of the United States, leaving its mark on Mexico with intense flooding and destruction. And it’s not done yet. The potential for rough weather hitting the tournament venue has prompted Riot Games to put fans’ safety first and foremost. That means we’re hitting the pause button on the live audience experience at Champions 2023 for a bit.

An Unplanned Announcement with a Silver Lining

Fans who were looking forward to witnessing the thrilling lower bracket matches live in the grand atmosphere of The Shrine will not be left entirely disappointed. Riot Games has assured that the games will proceed as scheduled, offering fans the chance to follow every exhilarating moment from the comfort of their homes. These matches are crucial, with teams duking it out in the lower bracket, knowing that one misstep could mean elimination.

The impending matches on this day bear immense significance as DRX takes on Fnatic and LOUD faces off against EDward Gaming, both contests carrying the weight of elimination. With the familiar roar of the crowd absent, the focus of these four teams will be sharper than ever. The absence of distractions may just bring out the best in these esports titans, as they battle not only for victory but also to avoid the ignominy of departing the stage without a live audience to witness their efforts.

The schedule dictates that the final day of games at The Shrine coincides with August 20th. Beyond that point, the tournament will transition to the KIA Forum, providing a fresh venue for fans and players. However, the three-day interlude between venues offers a glimmer of hope that the weather might take a turn for the better before the Forum’s opening.

Hurricane Hilary’s approach has raised concerns beyond the esports arena. The anticipated intense rain and winds, particularly in inland mountain and desert areas, have prompted warnings of flash flooding that could disrupt essential routes. President Joe Biden’s statement about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proactive preparations underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for vigilant response measures.

Header: Colin Young-Wolff | Riot Games