Dapr's Warning: The Demise of Tier Two VALORANT
Franchising in VALORANT has sparked intense debate since its introduction in 2022. However, the recent disbandment of promising rosters in the once-thriving Tier 2 scene and the departure of rising organizations has added fuel to the fire. Oxygen's Michael "dapr" Gulino believes the decline was inevitable after the announcement of partnered leagues.
In a poignant tweet on Dec. 20, dapr drew attention to the irony of leaving Counter-Strike due to a dying Tier 2 scene, only to find himself in a similar situation in Tier 2 VALORANT three years later. He pointedly blames the VCT's partnership program for the current state of Tier 2, stating that the writing was on the wall as soon as franchising was introduced.
Rising Orgs Exit: A Troubling Trend
Multiple promising tier-two teams have disbanded their professional rosters following the conclusion of the VCT 2023 season. OREsports and Disguised (Game Changers) are among the recent casualties, announcing their decisions on X (formerly Twitter) on Dec. 20th. These players now face the challenge of finding new opportunities before the upcoming season begins next month.
While some Tier 2 teams face dissolution, Dapr's team stands amongst the top in North America, set to participate in the Challengers 2024 season starting in late January. This divergence highlights the contrasting fortunes within the Tier 2 VALORANT landscape.
Riot's Efforts: A Struggle to Sustain Tier Two
Riot Games has made efforts to support the Tier 2 VALORANT scene, with a long-running Challengers season leading to the prestigious regional Ascension tournament. The winning team from each region's Ascension tournament earns the opportunity to join partnered leagues. Despite these initiatives, Tier 2 VALORANT appears to be struggling to maintain its vitality post-franchising.
Challenges and Hope for Tier Two VALORANT
Top tier 2 teams like Luminosity, OpTiC, XSET, The Guard, and more organizations either quitting or staying out of the scene entirely exacerbate the challenges faced by tier two VALORANT. Partnered organizations may now serve as the last hope, as they have the potential to build partnerships with existing Challengers and Game Changers teams, attracting and nurturing budding talent.
As the Tier 2 VALORANT scene grapples with challenges, it stands at a critical crossroads. Riot's efforts, though commendable, might require further refinement to revive the once-thriving landscape. The future of Tier 2 VALORANT hangs in the balance, with the hope that strategic collaborations and adjustments can reignite its vibrancy.
Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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