In a recent development in the esports world, Riot Games, the developer of the popular game Valorant, has taken a firm stand against unprofessional conduct. The company suspended Japanese Valorant pro player TenTen from his upcoming four VCT appearances due to his racist comments during a live stream.
The incident unfolded during a Valorant Ranked game, where TenTen engaged in a heated argument with RRQ in-game leader Saibani “fl1pzjder” Rahmad. The argument escalated, leading TenTen to make racially offensive remarks under the assumption that Rahmad was of Indian origin. This incident, broadcasted live, sent shockwaves through the Valorant community, highlighting the pressing issue of racism in online gaming.
Following the incident, TenTen’s team, Northeption, acted swiftly, releasing him from the squad within hours of the clip surfacing on Twitter. Riot Games also launched an official investigation into the incident, resulting in TenTen’s suspension and a warning issued to fl1pzjder.
TenTen, a promising player from Korea, had been making significant strides in the Japanese Tier-2 scene. This setback could potentially hinder his future prospects in esports. However, such behavior cannot be overlooked, and strict action is necessary to maintain a healthy gaming environment.
In response to the incident, TenTen issued an apology, expressing deep regret for his remarks and acknowledging the seriousness of his punishment.
Riot Games’ decision to suspend TenTen and issue a warning to fl1pzjder demonstrates their commitment to fostering a respectful and inclusive Valorant community. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining professional conduct in esports, a rapidly growing industry where players are not just competitors but also role models for many fans worldwide.
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