Riot Games has reconsidered its earlier decision to disqualify the former players of The Guard from participating in the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT). This reversal provides a ray of hope for the talented team as they embark on a journey to find a new organization to represent in the 2024 VCT season, set to join the Americas league.

Riot Games Gives a Second Chance for The Guard Squad

After winning the Ascension Americas tournament, the future looked bright for The Guard. However, organizational obstacles prevented their seamless transition into the VCT, leaving their achievements seemingly in vain. Riot Games' initial announcement, where they declared that no teams would be promoted from 2023, caused an uproar among fans worldwide. Many believed that the players were unfairly bearing the brunt of their organization's problems, especially as they were denied an automatic spot in the franchised league, despite earning it.

Amidst the chaos and disappointment, the global community rallied behind The Guard's cause. Fans expressed their frustration with Riot Games' initial ruling, emphasizing that the players should not be penalized for factors beyond their control. This groundswell of support did not go unnoticed.

Riot Games, acknowledging the widespread concerns, decided to reevaluate its stance on the situation. On August 30th, the gaming giant made a pivotal announcement, indicating their commitment to finding a more equitable solution for the players' future.

In a subsequent statement, Riot Games confirmed that the former members of The Guard would have the opportunity to stay together as a squad, but under a new organization. While the process is not without its hurdles, as both the players and Riot will need to approve the prospective new organization, this development marks a significant turning point in the players' careers.

Team captain Jacob "valyn" Batio took to Twitter to express his gratitude towards Riot Games for reconsidering their decision. He also acknowledged the role of the community, thanking them for their unwavering support during this tumultuous period. Trent "trent" Cairns echoed these sentiments, recognizing the pivotal role played by fans in influencing the outcome.