Riot Games has revealed that The Guard, a popular North American VALORANT team, will not be making its appearance in the VCT Americas League for the upcoming 2024 season. This announcement, which was made through a tweet, has left both fans and players baffled, as the team had been poised to make a significant impact on the competitive scene.

The Guard Ends Its Journey in Valorant Franchise League

Riot's announcement comes as a surprise, as The Guard was considered a fan favorite with a promising trajectory. The organization, however, failed to meet the league's crucial deadline to finalize its team participation agreement, following extensive months of negotiations. As a result, the team's dreams of competing in the 2024 VCT Americas League have been abruptly dashed.

What makes this situation even more astounding is Riot's decision to maintain the existing 10 teams for the upcoming season, with no promotions from the Challengers scene. This choice has triggered a wave of discontent within the VALORANT community, leaving enthusiasts and players questioning the fairness of this decision.

Members of The Guard's roster expressed genuine shock at the news, with several players revealing they were entirely unaware of the impending outcome. Michael “neT” Bernet made a passionate plea to Riot, requesting the opportunity for The Guard's roster to prove their worth in the VCT Americas next year. Similarly, Jonah “JonahP” Pulice conveyed his surprise, indicating that the team was oblivious to any potential complications with their participation.

The dismay extended beyond The Guard's ranks, with Ethan Arnold from Evil Geniuses openly expressing frustration. Arnold raised valid concerns about the transparency of the qualification process, suggesting that Riot should have contingencies in place for such circumstances. He highlighted the emotional toll on players who dedicate themselves to reaching a specific goal, only to have it abruptly taken away.

Teammate Corbin “C0M” Lee also weighed in, urging that The Guard's players deserve a chance to secure a spot with another organization. Lee emphasized the players' relentless dedication throughout the year and their rightful place in the competitive scene.

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Community sentiment is resounding in its demand for fairness and justice for The Guard's players. Many argue that allowing their hard-fought spot to go unused would be a disservice to the entire Challengers season. The sentiment resonates that these tier-two players should not be deprived of the opportunity they earned through their tireless efforts.