Valorant: Pro TenTen Suspended For Racist Remarks, Reasons, Fine And More
The world of competitive gaming was shaken when Riot Games issued a notice on the VCT Pacific Twitter page, announcing the suspension of Japanese Valorant pro, TenTen, from his next four VCT appearances.
The suspension came in response to racist comments made by the player during an argument on RRQ in-game leader Saibani “fl1pzjder” Rahmad’s stream in July 2023. This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about toxic behaviour within the gaming community.
The Incident and Its Impact
The incident occurred during a Valorant Ranked game, where fl1pzjder and TenTen engaged in a heated exchange about getting kills. The argument took a disturbing turn when TenTen used racial slurs, referring to fl1pzjder as a derogatory term and making racist assumptions about his ethnicity. The clip of this exchange went viral, drawing widespread condemnation from the Valorant community.
The use of racial slurs and discriminatory language is a prevalent issue in online gaming, and this incident highlighted the urgent need to address such toxic behaviour. The fact that this exchange occurred between two professional players, and in a live broadcast, only intensified the shock and disappointment felt by the community.
Immediate Actions Taken
TenTen’s former team, Northeption, responded swiftly to his behavior and made the decision to part ways with the player mere hours after the clip surfaced on Twitter. Northeption’s quick action in severing ties with TenTen sent a clear message that such behavior would not be tolerated within their organization.
In response to the incident, TenTen issued a statement of apology, expressing deep regret for his unforgivable remarks and taking responsibility for his actions. While the apology is a step in the right direction, the severity of the incident called for further consequences.
Riot Games’ Investigation and Punishment
Riot Games, the developer of Valorant, launched an official investigation into the incident to assess the situation thoroughly. The outcome of this investigation resulted in the suspension of TenTen from his next four VCT appearances. Additionally, fl1pzjder received a warning regarding his involvement in the exchange.
Riot Games’ decisive action in suspending TenTen demonstrates their commitment to fostering a healthy and inclusive gaming community. The incident serves as a reminder that toxic behavior has no place in esports and that professional players must be held accountable for their actions.
Impact on TenTen’s Career
For TenTen, the suspension is not only a personal setback but also a potential hurdle in his esports career. As a promising player from Korea, who was making a mark in the Japanese Tier-2 scene, this incident could impact future opportunities. However, the consequences of such behavior cannot be overlooked, and players must recognize the responsibility that comes with being part of the esports community.
The suspension of TenTen for racist remarks is a wake-up call for the Valorant community and the wider gaming industry. It underscores the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all players, free from discrimination and toxicity. Riot Games’ swift action in addressing the incident and the player’s apology serves as a remind
er of the importance of accountability and education to eradicate problematic behaviour from the gaming world. Moving forward, the Valorant community must work collectively to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that esports remains a place of respect, camaraderie, and fair competition.
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