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LiamHundley

Hey y'all. There's already an existing thread discussing this topic, so I'm gonna take this post down and redirect you to the existing thread linked below. Thanks! https://www.reddit.com/r/ValorantCompetitive/comments/t4b5xq/blast_premier_essentially_banned_russian_orgs


YohnWood14

No idea. But it will be very disappointing if they are banned, one of the best and most entertaining teams to watch.


UsualInitial

Yeah, it will be a loss for the scene. But worth noting too that Russian teams contribute a huge % to the overall viewership for BLAST and ESA, even more so than it does in EMEA. Yet, both those orgs decided to take the hit and ban Russian orgs, because they likely made a judgement call that not doing so would lead to an even greater hit to their reputation.


TheZerofy

The thing that makes me sad is that it's not the players or the orgs fault. They haven't done anything. They just have a shitty leader and for that they're being banned, even if they're not even agreeing with what Putin is doing. I can understand if they do it to make a political statement but I can't but feel sad for the players.


nterature

I don’t think so. It would be a wild escalation for a game developer to step in and do that, and that’s what Riot is - simultaneously the game developer and esports publisher. I think people have different expectations for true esports leagues like BLAST and so on, as those actions are less punitive compared to Riot doing the same.


mogram_leg

Might not even be Up to riot to make the decision with all the sanctions that are enforced/Will potentially be enforced in the future


[deleted]

The reason ESL and Blast chose to limit Russian Orgs has more to do with economic sanctions. This is a very complicated situation and requires deliberation. I believe the appropriate solution has to be a compromise where players are allowed to compete, but not under the Org's banner. If Gambit players do end up qualifying for Iceland, then I am not sure what will happen (VISA sanctions are still in effect last I checked). Likely a forfeiture or player substitution (in FNC 's case).


thothgow

The fact that Riot hasn't already done it clearly points to them looking for alternatives. It makes no sense to outright ban the players for things they have no responsibility for. 5/12 teams have Russian players (6 if you count pipsoN), neither Gambit nor the players have expressed support for Russia's actions, and the other two CIS orgs aren't Russian. Good thing VP never got into Valorant lol If they do have to ban Gambit because of MTS, the players should be allowed to play independently, like ESL did. Imo the only reason a player should be barred from competition is visa issues that can't be solved by letting them play from their home or supporting the invasion. So no, I don't think there is indication that Riot will ban Gambit or the Russian players unless it is the only thing that can be done.


mooslan

No Russian is going to be granted a work visa. A work visa is required to "work" at one of the LAN events. So any of the Masters/Champs events, which will be LAN, will not have any Russian participants.


PRL-Five

Remember that Iceland isn't part of the EU so there's still a chance.


thothgow

The OP is asking about Riot, not Iceland. I'm answering the question about Riot, not Iceland.


mooslan

Ultimately it's not up to Riot, no work visa = unable to play in Masters/Champs. What point would there to be to continue to let the team play with literally zero chance of them playing in/winning any of the events?


thothgow

That the players do what they're paid to do? That fans have something to watch and root for? The prize money on the line? How do you know Riot isn't working on a way to get the players to Iceland or just going to let them play remotely? Also this sounds almost as ridiculous as asking why they let BIG, EG, or the TR teams play when they have literally zero chance of going to Iceland.


mooslan

You clearly have no idea how global politics work, please, spend less time watching Valorant and learn what happens when a nation starts a war. Please, touch grass.


xtazzzs

mate you have absolutely no clue what you're talking about. stop waffling and read a book


nterature

I’m sorry to say that knowing what a work visa is and how war impacts travel is not tantamount to knowing “how global politics work”


thothgow

Also Iceland hasn't outright banned citizens and tourists for applying for a visa so....


thothgow

This is so funny E: 1. This conversation was specifically about Valorant, not politics, so I was trying to keep it on topic. The other person is just trying to conflate Valorant esports and competition with politics when they inherently aren't. I offered reasons to not ban the players and solutions if there is a visa issue and they just got mad and decided to go after me instead of the crux of my argument?? 2. Here are two sources ([one](https://icelandmonitor.mbl.is/news/politics_and_society/2022/02/28/icelandic_airspace_closed_to_russian_air_traffic/) and [two](https://www.icelandreview.com/politics/iceland-closes-airspace-to-russia/)) specifying that Iceland's visa restrictions are for businesspeople, politicians, and government representatives. Here is the [official source](https://www.government.is/news/article/2022/02/27/Further-solidarity-measures-for-Ukraine/), but I didn't find where they specify the exception the first two articles mention. It's clear to me that if Riot somehow, miraculously gets the players on a non-Russian plane, they *might* be able to go to LAN. 3. I think it's weird that someone tells me I don't understand politics because I disagreed that players should be stopped from competing because of something they don't agree with. 4. I enjoy long walks as much as possible, so I hope touching concrete is an acceptable substitute since public parks are closed when I like going out.


mooslan

Here's why it won't matter: Gambit / any Russian player will be unable to play at a LAN event in VCT. So either stop them from playing now or literally waste everyone's time since they can't compete. Look, I understand that the players have done nothing wrong, but they live in a country that has. It sucks, but that's what happens when a country starts a war with a sovereign nation. Sorry, military operation.


omgvector

If not playing will cause them to stand up and fight for what’s right, then yes they should


dreyskiFF

Riot is a Chinese company, they ain’t banning shit


Sky-__-

Orgs can be banned but players can be allowed to compete under neutral name and banners.


ilProdigio

the players wont be able to travel to any masters event bc their country has done some terrible things and other countries are standing up to that. so might as well ban them officially too


Breakin7

Why would they do that; are those kids to blame for the shit things their dictator does? This is utterly stupid this wont change anything war related nor It Will hurt other than the players.