Stage 1 of the VCT EMEA circuit has been plagued by repeated technical pauses, disrupting the rhythm of matches and putting pressure on both players and broadcast teams. Weeks of unresolved problems reached a boiling point last week when the matchup between Team Liquid and Movistar KOI had to be halted for over 30 minutes, eventually forcing officials to shift the game to a different server.
In an attempt to stabilize the situation, Riot Games transitioned matches to online servers. However, this solution introduced new problems, including higher player pings and continued technical instability.
Daniel Ringland, Riot’s Head of VALORANT Esports for EMEA, issued a public apology, acknowledging the complexity of fixing the issues mid-season. He explained that the near-daily use of the studio limits the opportunity for deep system repairs. A full investigation is planned once the Regular Season concludes, ahead of the Playoffs starting May 8th.
Players Voice Growing Frustrations
The ongoing problems have sparked a wave of player criticism. Team Vitality’s Derke responded to Riot’s apology, pointing out that players have been flagging issues with hardware quality and game stability since the launch of franchising in 2023. According to Derke, players were repeatedly told to be patient, yet three years later, optimization problems persist — with frequent game stuttering, fluctuating settings, and no permanent fixes in place.
Derke also expressed disappointment over Riot’s move to remove the live audience from Wednesday matches, highlighting the lost experience for both newcomers and fans who traveled to support them.
Other prominent voices, including former Sentinels star TenZ and Gentle Mates’ kAdavra, echoed Derke’s frustrations, criticizing the league’s management and equipment standards. NAVI’s ANGE1 further pointed out that sharing the studio with the League of Legends circuit leaves little time for proper hardware adjustments between games.
Calls for Change
In response to the backlash, Riot has announced the formation of a Player Council aimed at improving communication and addressing player concerns more effectively. Additionally, plans for major equipment upgrades later this year have been promised.
Former Liquid coach Sliggy offered an alternative approach, suggesting that VCT EMEA could shift entirely online for the Group Stage, reserving offline play for the Playoffs. According to Sliggy, this would not only offer players a more stable competitive environment but also reduce operational burdens at the Riot Games Arena.
