The VCT EMEA has been hit by rampant tech issues, problems bad enough that it resulted in a match day being called off entirely while players were stuck on stage for hours.
Though Riot apologized, some of the game’s biggest pros and former competitors called them out directly, claiming their PC setups weren’t up to par and that the LAN environment was far below their expectations – especially considering it’s not really LAN at all and they play on 30 ping.
All of these issues have come to a head, with Ibai, a massive Twitch streamer and part owner of Movistar KOI, putting his foot down. He’s boycotting the league until changes are made, pulling his team out of the playoffs.
This is a huge deal. Or, at least, it would be if KOI had qualified for the playoffs at all. They’re essentially making a joke in the face of a controversy that’s wreaking havoc in the EMEA league. However, there is some truth to the boycott after all: Kameto is refusing to co-stream it, resulting in a potential loss of tens of thousands of viewers for Riot.
Valorant’s EMEA league boycotted by Karmine Corp’s owner
Ibai’s joke announcement was immediately followed up by other teams who didn’t make it to the playoffs showing “solidarity,” taking a jab at Riot while also making jokes at their own expense.
No team actively participating in the Playoffs has opted to boycott just yet, even if some teams are having fun with it on social media. Team Liquid, one of two squads impacted by April 25th’s slew of tech pauses, were posting images like Ben Affleck smoking on the side of a balcony and joking about the sheer length of these pauses as they were happening.
However, there is one big personality who’s making a stand: Kameto.
“I won’t cast VCTs anymore until they fix their issues. We shouldn’t be taken for a ride like this,” he said. Considering Karmine Corp is the other team that got wrapped up in this alongside Team Liquid, his frustration makes sense.
Boycotting games and refusing to play can result in getting fined or thrown out of the league entirely. Considering that franchise slots cost millions, this isn’t something Kameto is likely eager to do. But, him stopping his co-stream is still a huge blow that doesn’t violate any of the rules in their contract.
So, yes, while “boycotts” like Ibai’s are clearly a joke, there is some actual boycotting going on. Kameto pulls tens of thousands of viewers at a time, with Karmine Corp being one of the biggest esports orgs in the world. Their fanbase is incredibly loyal, and him calling out the league directly is sure to get Riot’s attention.
