Riot Games Reportedly Held Emergency Meeting for G2 Esports Valorant Spot Following Andrew Tate Fiasco
Riot Games reportedly planned to give G2 Esports a partnership spot in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Americas League, but pivoted following owner Carlos "ocelote" Rodriguez's involvement with anti-feminist influencer and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate.
According to a report by The Washington Post’s Mikhail Klimentov, Riot never formally offered a slot to G2, but promptly "huddled to discuss the situation" in Istanbul during Valorant Champions 2022 — a meeting that seemingly took the org of consideration for a partnership.
VALORANT: Sources told me that G2 is OUT of franchising (NA & EU) for next year because of recent controversy.
— neL (@neLendirekt) September 20, 2022
G2 had a spot locked in NA, but Riot had an emergency meeting and decided otherwise. Likely LEV is having the last NA spot.
On Sept. 17, Rodriguez tweeted a video of him partying with Tate, a post that immediately drew backlash to which the CEO followed up with, "Nobody will ever be able to police my friendships," "I draw my line here," and "I party with whoever the fuck I want."
New: Recent developments point to G2 being OUT of contention for any partnership league next year.
— George Geddes (@GeorgeCGed) September 20, 2022
I have confirmed it myself, @neLendirekt has just reported it also. pic.twitter.com/IjZLV4dWeX
The next day, both Rodriguez and G2 issued statements apologizing for the controversy. Rodriguez cited his failure to "read this room right" and his "unconditional duty" to protect his company and colleagues. G2 announced that its Supervisory Board agreed to suspend Rodriguez without pay for eight weeks.
— G2 Esports (@G2esports) September 18, 2022
G2, the Spanish esports organization which also has offices in New York City, reportedly had its sights set on relocating its Valorant division to compete in the VCT Americas League since June, applying for the EMEA League as a backup option.
According to Dot Esports' Scott Robertson, Argentina's Leviatán was ultimately given G2's Americas League spot.
With an International League invite out of reach, G2 has since allowed its existing EMEA Valorant roster to explore its options.
having to explain to my mom how andrew tate cost me a job is not where i thought id be a month ago
— XSET Zekken (@zekkenVAL) September 22, 2022
Per Klimentov, "things seemed good to go" for G2 to acquire the entire roster and coaching staff of North America's XSET had the former clinched a spot.