Moin Khot
Sep, 06.2023
Popular streamer and content creator Félix Lengyel, better known as xQc, is setting his sights on the competitive world of VALORANT, as he expresses interest in acquiring The Guard's former VALORANT team. This potential acquisition could pave the way for XQc to enter the highly competitive VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) in 2024.
XQc Might SIgn The Guard's Former VALORANT Team
The Guard's former team, comprising Jacob “valyn” Batio, Ian “tex” Botsch, Michael “neT” Bernet, Jonah “JonahP” Pulice, and Trent Cairns, recently clinched victory at the 2023 VCT Americas Ascension tournament. Their remarkable performance secured them a spot in the prestigious 2024 VCT Americas League. However, the team faced a massive hurdle in their journey.
Riot Games initially hesitated to accept The Guard as a partner for the league, raising questions about the future of the talented roster. Yet, community outcry ultimately led to a reversal of Riot's decision, freeing the players to seek new opportunities. As of September 1, they are officially on the market, potentially aligning with XQc's ambitions.
XQc's interest in this talented roster is undeniable, but he acknowledges the financial demands that come with running a competitive esports team. The path to VCT is laden with challenges, including Riot's approval of the deal, which may be influenced by concerns about brand alignment due to XQc's promotion of unregulated gambling content during his livestreams.
This isn't the first time XQc has expressed interest in the world of competitive VALORANT. Earlier this year, he engaged in advanced negotiations with the organization-less North American squad Turtle Troop in April. However, reports emerged that XQc withdrew from the deal at the eleventh hour, leaving the players hanging—an act commonly referred to as "ghosting."
While XQc's interest in the former The Guard players is palpable, the competition for their signatures is fierce. Established organizations like G2 and FlyQuest, already deeply embedded in Riot's League of Legends ecosystem, have reportedly set their sights on these rising stars. Additionally, the charismatic content creator Disguised Toast is rumored to be in the mix.
As XQc ventures into the realm of professional VALORANT, the esports community eagerly watches to see if this charismatic streamer can successfully navigate the challenges of competitive gaming. While the path ahead may be fraught with obstacles, XQc's determination and the talents of the former The Guard team make this a story worth following in the dynamic world of esports.