NAVI Penalized for Use of Banned Substance During VALORANT Champions 2023
After their recent loss to DRX at VALORANT Champions 2023, NAVI is determined to bounce back and secure a win that will propel them into the playoffs. However, a small controversy erupted on social media when head coach Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren revealed that the team had been penalized during the first map of the series for using a banned substance on stage.
In a now-deleted tweet, the 28-year-old coach stated that NAVI had one of their timeouts revoked because one of their players was caught using Snus on-stage. Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov, the in-game leader and veteran player, was spotted on the broadcast using the smokeless tobacco product, leading to swift punishment from Riot Games officials.
According to the 2023 VCT ruleset, only drinks in league-approved resealable containers and chewing gum are allowed on-stage. Food, tobacco, and other nicotine-based items are prohibited in the match area.
Snus is a popular form of smokeless tobacco among esports players, especially in the European League of Legends scene. It is a moist tobacco product packaged in teabag-like sachets that is placed under the upper lip for use. Unlike American dipping tobacco, Snus does not require spitting out the product.
Related: The Mental Toll of a LoL Esports Career: Depression, Burnout, Insomnia
Snus has become a coping mechanism for many esports players who need to deal with the overwhelming pressure they face from the public eye, as well as other challenges in their careers and personal lives.
Moving forward, players participating in VALORANT events will need to refrain from using Snus on stage, considering the consequences they now face. Despite the situation, some players have taken to social media to make light of the incident, including Team Liquid’s Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel and NRG’s head coach Chet Singh.
NAVI must remain focused for their final match of the Champions group stage, which will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12.
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