100 Thieves blasts Riot Games over VCT NA Last Chance Qualifier

The Valorant Champions Tour Last Chance Qualifier has sparked significant controversy due to its unconventional hybrid elimination format that combines both single and double elimination elements.

Professional teams, particularly 100 Thieves, have expressed strong objections to the tournament structure through social media platforms. The format revelation prompted immediate backlash from competitive players who question its fairness and competitive integrity.

Unlike traditional tournament formats that typically employ consistent elimination rules throughout, the VCT North American Last Chance Qualifier implements a split-system approach. Teams eliminated during the quarterfinal stage face immediate tournament exit, while the four semifinalists benefit from double-elimination protection.

Valorant LCQ Format Controversy: Why 100 Thieves and Pros Are Speaking Out

100 Thieves captain Spencer “Hiko” Martin immediately expressed disapproval of the tournament format upon its announcement. International coach Oliver “DickStacy” Tierney highlighted the disproportionate burden on overseas teams with his pointed commentary about travel logistics.

“The current format creates an uneven playing field,” DickStacy remarked. “Australian organizations commit substantial resources—16-hour flights followed by three weeks of quarantine—only to face potential elimination after a single best-of-three series following nine months of qualification efforts.”

100 Thieves roster members unanimously condemned the structure. Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella emphasized that LAN competitions should never incorporate single-elimination components regardless of circumstances.

As DickStacy correctly noted, numerous international squads undertake extensive travel to participate in the Los Angeles-based LAN event. These organizations invest thousands of practice hours and navigate high-stakes qualification matches to earn their spots. However, their path to December’s Valorant Champions tournament could terminate abruptly following one best-of-three match in the Last Chance Qualifier.

Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk described the format as fundamentally flawed, while Ethan “Ethan” Arnold sarcastically commented on its progressive deterioration.

The hybrid format raises serious competitive integrity questions that extend beyond 100 Thieves’ concerns. Professional esports tournaments typically standardize elimination rules to ensure consistency and fairness throughout competition.

Single-elimination formats disproportionately punish teams for single bad performances or unfortunate circumstances. In contrast, double-elimination structures allow organizations to demonstrate their true skill level through multiple matches.

International competitors face additional disadvantages beyond the format itself. Teams traveling from regions like Australia and Europe must overcome jet lag, adaptation to new environments, and limited practice facilities during quarantine periods.

The format’s timing creates particular tension—teams eliminated in quarterfinals receive no opportunity to recover from early setbacks despite extensive preparation periods. This contrasts with standard esports tournament design principles that prioritize competitive fairness and opportunity for performance demonstration.

From a strategic perspective, the current structure may incentivize overly conservative play during early rounds as teams attempt to avoid the single-elimination bracket entirely.

It’s evident that 100 Thieves and numerous other competitive organizations strongly oppose the Last Chance Qualifier’s single-elimination components. However, Riot Games appears committed to maintaining the current format without planned modifications.

The developer has not issued any public statements addressing the widespread criticism from professional players. This silence suggests either confidence in the current structure or logistical constraints preventing format changes.

Tournament organizers likely face balancing acts between broadcast schedules, venue availability, and competitive format considerations. However, the community expects greater transparency regarding format decision-making processes.

The North American Valorant Last Chance Qualifiers commence on October 12, providing the final opportunity for teams to qualify for Valorant Champions. The competitive community will closely monitor whether format concerns materialize in actual tournament outcomes.

Professional players hope future tournaments will incorporate more consistent elimination structures that better reflect the investment and skill levels of participating organizations.

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