xQc express serious interest in The Guard’s VALORANT team

The popular content creator and streamer, Felix “xQc” Lengyel, has once again made headlines in the esports world. This time, it’s for his interest in acquiring The Guard’s former VALORANT team, a move that could potentially lead him into the competitive Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) in 2024.

The Guard’s VALORANT team, consisting of Jacob “valyn” Batio, Ian “tex” Botsch, Michael “neT” Bernet, Jonah “JonahP” Pulice, and Trent Cairns, secured their spot in the 2024 VCT Americas League after clinching victory in the 2023 VCT Americas Ascension tournament in June.

However, Riot Games initially created a wave of controversy when they announced that The Guard wouldn’t be allowed to participate in the 2024 VCT Americas League due to issues surrounding the Team Participation Agreement. This decision sparked outrage in the Valorant community and prompted a vigorous discussion about the injustice faced by the hardworking players.

In a surprising turn of events, Riot Games reversed their decision in response to the community backlash. The Guard’s players were subsequently released from the organization on September 1, opening the door for potential suitors, including xQc.

During one of his recent livestreams, xQc openly discussed his interest in acquiring The Guard’s former VALORANT roster. He acknowledged that while it would be an expensive endeavor, he was seriously considering it as an option.

When questioned about potentially forming a Counter-Strike 2 roster instead, xQc explained that he lacked the time and resources to set up an entire organization from scratch. The tier-one Valorant scene, in contrast, offers established structures with dedicated living arrangements, practice facilities, and support staff. Building such a framework from the ground up would indeed be time-consuming.

xQc’s interest sparks a new buzz

Entering the esports scene as a team owner and competing in the VCT is an enticing prospect for xQc, but it comes with its own set of challenges and costs. As Disguised Toast revealed earlier this year, running an esports organization can be financially demanding, with significant investments required.

However, acquiring a tier-one team like The Guard’s former roster comes with a two-year franchise spot in the VCT Americas League, a valuable opportunity that has garnered interest from multiple parties. Reports suggest that xQc faces competition from organizations like G2 Esports and FlyQuest in the race to sign these talented players.

While xQc’s interest in The Guard’s former VALORANT team may signal his entry into the competitive Valorant scene, it remains to be seen whether Riot Games will approve the deal, considering the controversies surrounding his livestream content, particularly related to unregulated gambling.

As the esports world watches with anticipation, xQc’s potential venture into owning a tier-one VALORANT team could reshape the landscape of competitive gaming. The future of The Guard’s former players and their journey in the VCT hangs in the balance as various organizations and streamers vie for their signatures.

Header: Robert Paul/Blizzard Entertainment