The Unforgettable Story of Evil Geniuses’ VALORANT Season and the Disappointing Championship Merchandise
The 2023 VALORANT season for Evil Geniuses created an unforgettable story. These underdogs from North America started with low expectations but ended up making an incredible late-season run, reaching two international tournament grand finals, and even winning the world championship.
However, despite their triumph, the fans were disappointed with the championship merchandise provided by Evil Geniuses. In response to the backlash, the team’s marketing department issued an apology just two days after lifting the Champions trophy, attempting to clarify the situation.
Related: VALORANT Champions 2023: Scores, schedule, and standings
The apparel released after EG’s triumph featured a hoodie and T-shirt with a square graphic of the team, including the words VALORANT, “world champions,” and 2023. However, the graphic itself was not impressive, and it seemed hastily added onto a basic faded blue T-shirt and hoodie. Moreover, the roster graphic had already been used on the team’s social platforms.
In their apology, EG acknowledged that the merchandise was not up to standard and explained that it was rushed due to the organization’s transition to a new merchandise provider. They promised a collaboration with a community designer to release a “larger-scoped Champ capsule” in the following weeks.
Although some speculate that the rushed design was due to the team’s lack of expectation for victory, it is surprising that the marketing department of such a major organization, with a highly respected roster, did not have better preparations. The VALORANT Champions event, particularly the pre-match Fan Fest, showcased a large demographic of fans willing to purchase merchandise, but only if it meets a certain level of quality.
The “original” VALORANT world champions tee and hoodie are still available in the EG store, for those who are interested.