Riot Games has reversed its decision to disqualify the former players of The Guard from participating in the VALORANT Champions Tour, giving them the opportunity to find a new organization to represent in 2024. This decision marks a positive step forward for both the team and the VALORANT scene as a whole.
In a statement released on September 1st by the official VALORANT Esports Twitter account, Riot announced that the players and coach from The Guard are allowed to stick together and search for a new organization to play under in the upcoming Americas league. While they have not yet found a new org, the team is actively looking for one.
The Guard emerged as the winners of the Ascension Americas tournament, but their organization failed to reach an agreement with Riot to complete the transition process to the VCT. As a result, Riot announced on August 29th that no teams would be promoted from 2023, rendering The Guard’s victory in Ascension and their efforts in the Challenger tier two years prior futile.
This decision sparked outrage among fans worldwide, who felt that the players were being punished for their organization’s problems and were unjustly denied the opportunity to automatically join the franchised league despite earning their spot. In response, the entire roster announced their move into free agency, seemingly giving up on their dream that had been snatched away from them.
However, Riot later reconsidered their decision and announced on August 30th that they were working towards finding a better solution for the players’ future. Now, the league has confirmed that the former members of The Guard can stay together as a team, but under a new organization. This new organization will need to gain approval from both the players and Riot before officially joining VCT 2024.
The players expressed their joy and gratitude following the announcement, as they can continue playing together just like they did in 2022 and 2023. Team captain Jacob “valyn” Batio thanked Riot for reconsidering their decision and also acknowledged the community for voicing their opinions and supporting them. Trent “trent” Cairns also appreciated the community’s involvement, stating, “You guys really did it.”
The community welcomed the positive resolution, with organizations like Evil Geniuses, M80, and Disguised simply responding with a “W” to the announcement and the players’ reactions.
Now, the team that rightfully earned their spot in franchising through Ascension can finally achieve their deserved recognition, as long as they find a new organization. While the logo on their jerseys may change, the same roster that surprised people in early 2022 is now on their way to regional dominance alongside the best in North America.
Source: DOTESPORTS
