VCT EMEA Week 3 Matches Postponed Amidst Ukraine Crisis

Riot Games announced that it has postponed all the matches of the 2022 Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Stage 1 Challengers Week 3 due to the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Riot issued a statement on its official Valorant EMEA Twitter account announcing the postponement and adding that it would release an updated schedule as soon as possible. The matches were originally scheduled to be played between Friday and Sunday (25th-27th Feb).

Riot Games wrote on Twitter, “After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone VCT EMEA Week 3 games. Our community’s welfare is integral to us and at this time, our number one priority is to support the players, casters, staff and fans affected by the escalating crisis in Ukraine."

According to a report by the Upcomer that cited a press release, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Valorant Regional League (VRL) matches, scheduled on 24th Feb were also postponed. The tournament organizers, GIG.ME, made the decision to suspend Thursday’s matches due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Although none of the VRL CIS teams field Ukrainian players, many have Russian and Belarusian players, stated Upcomer.

“Dear players, we have decided to reschedule today’s matches of VALORANT Regional League CIS: Landmark,” the statement read. “We will definitely inform you when there is news.”

Riot Games’ announcement gets a positive reception

The European Valorant circuit is played online and all the teams are competing from their respective home countries at this juncture. VCT EMEA has multiple Russian and Ukrainian players competing and representing organizations like Gambit (GMB), Natus Vincere (NaVi), FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), and Acend.

The announcement was supported and appreciated by many in the Valorant community who have stood in solidarity with the victims in Ukraine. Prominent Valorant personalities including casters took to the comment section of the Tweet to extend support and to thank Riot for its timely decision during the ongoing crisis.

Esports journalist and VCT EMEA host Yinsu Collins wrote, “Thank you for the update, hope everyone in the community is safe, their welfare always comes first <3”

Organizations and players posted on Twitter about the crisis

NaVi posted on Twitter saying, “Russia attacked Ukraine. And now there are hostilities that take human lives and destroy actual destinies on the territory of our country. It is impossible that during this war we pretend that everything is okay. It is not. We are devastated. Our main goal right now is to try to stay calm and take care of ourselves, our loved ones, and those who need help. We are all together in this. And together we'll get through this."

Meanwhile, players including FPX Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov and GMB’s Igor “Redgar” Vlasovtook to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the crisis.

Countless esports organizations changed their logos temporarily to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Early Thursday morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine. Riot has yet to release the new schedule and the matches may be postponed until the situation abates. Fans can keep tabs on the official VCT social media handles for further updates.

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