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.
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."
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, 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.
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.
This article was originally published on dbltap as Riot Games Reportedly Held Emergency Meeting for G2 Esports Valorant Spot Following Andrew Tate Fiasco.
