After failing to join the North American VALORANT scene during VCT Americas’ original franchising run, G2 Esports may have a chance to get on stage with the help of a former fan-favorite tier-two roster.
According to esports journalist Alejandro Gomis, the popular European organization is reportedly trying to join VCT Americas in 2024. G2 has supposedly reached a verbal agreement to sign multiple players formerly of The Guard, the most recent winners of the VCT Ascension tournament. They aim to sign at least three players from The Guard’s old lineup if they are allowed entry into the league.
Both G2 and The Guard have faced controversy within the VALORANT space. G2 lost their chance at franchising due to controversial statements made by former owner Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez Santiago. Meanwhile, The Guard lost their chance at joining VCT Americas when they failed to meet the team participation agreement deadline. Riot’s decision not to promote any of the tier-two teams caused frustration among players and coaching staff.
Originally, Riot planned to run the league with 10 teams but eventually allowed the five players from The Guard to find a suitable replacement to bring into the league. G2 isn’t the only team considering joining the league; FlyQuest, another NA fan favorite, has also been linked to potentially joining VCT Americas next year.
Next year could represent a new beginning for both the players and the organization, depending on whether Riot approves of G2’s addition to the league.
G2 Esports, VALORANT, VCT Americas, The Guard, franchising, roster, controversy, Riot, league.