G2 Owner’s Controversial Party Causes Disruption in Valorant Partnership Decisions
Last year, G2 owner Carlos Rodriguez’s video partying with controversial figure Andrew Tate had significant consequences on Riot’s VALORANT partnership choices.
Not only did it cost G2 a spot in either the EMEA or Americas league, but it also potentially prevented a rising star from participating in the Americas partnered league next year. According to a recent report by the Washington Post, G2 had expressed a keen interest in acquiring the XSET roster along with an Americas league partner spot. A tweet from 17-year-old XSET rising star Zachary “zekken” Patrone seems to confirm G2’s previous interest.
In a tweet from last year’s breakout NA player, Zachary Patrone, he laments, “Having to explain to my mom how Andrew Tate cost me a job is not where I thought I’d be a month ago.”
G2 Carlos’ appearance with Tate sparked significant backlash online, along with his initial defensive response. This was followed by a series of contradictory tweets that he liked after G2 and himself posted a more apologetic statement. Riot leaders allegedly met during Champions 2022 in Istanbul and reversed their decision to grant G2 a partnered spot in the Americas league.
According to the Post’s report, G2 had strongly expressed interest in acquiring the roster and coaching staff of XSET, and everything seemed “good to go” assuming G2 gained entry and XSET did not. French FPS reporter NeLendirekt stated that Riot awarded the spot to LATAM team Leviatán, reducing the number of NA teams that could potentially sign the XSET roster from six to five. However, technically, any team in the Americas league could still sign the XSET players.
Sources have confirmed that the XSET players wish to stick together if possible. Today, XSET announced that all the players will become free agents. Dephh and AYRIN will be unrestricted free agents, while zekken, BcJ, and Cryo will be restricted free agents.