Shahzeb “ShahZaM” Khan Goes After Riot Games Over Franchising System

ShahZaM did not mince his words when he claimed that Riot Games is destroying the Valorant competition scene. ShahZaM, the team captain, said the Sentinels are struggling to prepare for the VCT NA Last Chance Qualifiers, where they hope to win a spot in the Valorant Champions in Turkey (bet on both these awesome events at https://gg.bet/de/esports) after many pro teams have quit the esport.

ShahZaM claims the lack of training partners is because of Riot Games’ decision to switch Valorant competitions to a professional league with franchised teams similar to the Overwatch League. Many pro Valorant teams have decided to quit after they failed to advance through Riot Games’ partner selection.

What is The Valorant League?

Valorant’s developer, Riot Games, has decided to completely shake up the competitive Valorant scene for 2023. They have created a professional league which will be divided up into regions. The Americas league, which will feature teams from North and South America, is expected to feature 8 to 10 teams. These leagues will be the primary way for teams to qualify for Majors and the Valorant World Championship.

Unlike the Overwatch League (teams were paying $20 million and ongoing yearly fees), Valorant teams do not have to pay a buy-in fee. However, they do have to pass Riot Games’ partner selection. This multi-round interview has been shrouded in mystery, but basically, Riot Games is interviewing different teams and deciding on who they want in their league.

Riot Games is expected to announce which teams have made the cut by September. This selection process has angered many people in the pro Valorant team, not just ShahZaM. Shopify Rebellion came out and said that the selection process is just a popularity contest and the well-known teams have a massive advantage.

Why is ShahZaM Against The Valorant League?

ShahZaM shared his feelings on Riot Games’ new league while streaming on Twitch. The 28-year-old American said he felt the Valorant scene was booming, and there was lots of interest in players, teams, and events. However, that has all disappeared following Riot Games’ partner selection process.

The partner selection process has resulted in many teams exiting Valorant because they have not been offered a position in the league. And with how Riot Games has structured the league, there is no viable way for teams to qualify for Majors and the Champions event without being in the league. The Valorant League will feature so few teams that many players won’t be able to play professionally and will have to switch to other esports.

ShahZaM said the Valorant scene has instantly been deflated, and many major teams have completely abandoned the popular game. More teams are expected to drop out after Riot Games continues to cull applicants.

ShahZaM and Sentinels are incredibly unlucky with the timing of the selection process. They are currently in boot camp as they attempt to qualify for the Valorant Champions Istanbul at the VCT NA Last Chance Qualifiers. However, their preparation has been far from ideal as they struggle to find training partners. ShahZaM said teams are canceling scrimmages, and many of their training partners have quit Valorant altogether.

ShahZaM and Sentinels face an uphill battle to qualify for the Valorant Champions Istanbul, they will need to bring their A-game as they compete against the likes of OpTic Gaming and XSET. Let’s hope Sentinels can find some late-season form and book their ticket to the Champions!