TL;DR
- OpTic coach Chet faced intense criticism for post-match comments dismissing XERXIA’s victory
- Controversy centered on ‘cringe strategy’ remarks and economic speculation about Asian region
- Multiple Valorant personalities called out the comments as unprofessional and disrespectful
- The incident highlights importance of professional conduct in international esports events
- Both teams face crucial elimination matches following the controversy

The Valorant Champions Tour Masters Reykjavík delivered one of its most shocking upsets when Asian underdogs XERXIA dominated North American favorites OpTic in a stunning 2-0 sweep. The tournament, featuring top teams from across global regions, witnessed what many considered an improbable victory that would reshape group stage dynamics.
As the competition intensified, expectations centered on established powerhouses demonstrating their strategic superiority. However, XERXIA’s commanding performance across both maps revealed unexpected competitive depth from regions often underestimated in international play.
While the match result itself generated significant discussion, the post-game interview with OpTic’s coach Chet “Chet” Singh became the primary focus of community attention, overshadowing the actual gameplay achievements.
Professional Fallout: Chet’s Interview Sparks Outrage

Chet’s analysis of the defeat raised immediate concerns among professional observers. Rather than crediting XERXIA’s execution, he attributed the loss primarily to OpTic’s underperformance, minimizing the strategic accomplishment of their opponents. This approach contrasted sharply with established esports professionalism standards.
When addressing regional strategic differences, Chet introduced the problematic concept of “cringe strategies” – suggesting that smaller regions could succeed through unconventional approaches that might not reflect sophisticated tactical understanding.
In competitive Valorant terminology, innovative strategies typically involve composition choices that deviate from established meta preferences. These approaches often leverage unexpected agent combinations to create advantageous situations, requiring precise execution timing and coordinated team play.
The controversy intensified when Chet speculated about economic challenges in Asian esports, suggesting XERXIA had “less to lose” due to financial constraints. He further predicted roster changes for XERXIA player Crws based on budget considerations rather than competitive factors.
Valorant community members quickly identified multiple concerning elements in the interview approach. Seasoned analysts noted that dismissing opponent victories undermines competitive integrity and reflects poorly on organizational culture.
“I’m not even referring to their team, it was a generalized question so I gave a generalized response. We also run out of meta comps more than most teams, so it’s also in regards to us,” Chet stated in his Twitter defense. However, this clarification failed to address the core issues of respect and professionalism raised by critics.
If a tier1 team coach is downplaying the importance of team compositions and utility strategy then I dont know what to say.
If a team wins because of it, that clearly means they are the better team.
I hate pilling on people, in this case Optics Chet, but what he said is (1/x)— DRX LotharHS (@LotharHS) April 11, 2022
Prominent figures across the Valorant competitive scene emphasized that elite coaching requires acknowledging opponent excellence regardless of regional origins or strategic approaches.
Crws directly countered Chet’s speculation about his roster status, clearly stating commitment to XERXIA regardless of financial considerations. This direct response highlighted the inaccuracy of the assumptions made during the interview.
https://t.co/JxQDh0ELj4 To clarify things, I'm not quitting because of money. If I were to retire or step down it is solely because I want a better addition to my team. I only wish to make my team stronger. Thanks @chetsingh
— Crws (@Crws_vlrt) April 11, 2022
The backlash demonstrated community expectations for professional conduct that transcends regional biases. Both Asian and North American fans expressed disappointment in comments that seemed to diminish XERXIA’s legitimate competitive achievement through strategic execution excellence.
This incident provides crucial learning opportunities for coaches operating in international esports environments. Post-match interviews require careful consideration of wording to maintain professional standards while analyzing performance objectively.
Successful post-game analysis should balance honest self-assessment with respectful acknowledgment of opponent capabilities. This approach preserves competitive integrity while demonstrating organizational maturity regardless of match outcomes.
When discussing regional differences, focusing on strategic variation rather than qualitative judgments maintains professional decorum. Recognizing that different meta developments across regions contribute to global competitive diversity enhances the sport’s development.
Professional coaches should avoid speculative comments about other organizations’ operational or financial situations. These areas typically fall outside appropriate post-match discussion topics and can create unnecessary diplomatic complications.
For those looking to improve their strategic understanding, our Complete Guide offers valuable frameworks for analyzing competitive dynamics across different gaming environments.
The controversy emerges at a critical tournament juncture with significant implications for both organizations involved. XERXIA advances to face the Group B winner’s match, carrying momentum from their demonstrated strategic capability.
OpTic faces immediate competitive pressure in their elimination match against KRU Esports. The team must now navigate both competitive challenges and public perception management simultaneously.
Chet’s approach to discussing weapon preferences and strategic compositions raises questions about professional development. Coaches interested in refining their approach may benefit from our Weapons Unlock strategies that emphasize adaptability over rigid meta adherence.
The incident underscores how post-match conduct can influence team reputation beyond competitive results. Organizations competing internationally must balance analytical honesty with diplomatic consideration of global competitive landscapes.
Understanding different playstyles is crucial for competitive success. Our Class Guide provides insights into adapting to varied strategic approaches across competitive environments.
Action Checklist
- Review post-match interview recordings to identify problematic phrasing patterns
- Develop standardized response templates for common post-match scenarios
- Practice delivering critical analysis while maintaining respect for opponents
- Create crisis communication protocol for addressing controversial statements
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Fans rage at OpTic coach Chet for controversial interview Analyzing Chet's controversial VCT Masters interview and what professional coaches should learn from this incident
