The VCT EMEA is currently facing a technical crisis that has severely affected tournament flow. Over the past few weeks, teams, fans, and players have expressed increasing frustration due to long pauses caused by unresolved connection issues. These delays have significantly disrupted match schedules and viewer experience.
According to VCT EMEA Commissioner Daniel Ringlad, early-stage matches were played offline, but technical issues prompted a shift to online servers. This solution only worsened the situation, with players experiencing high ping and matches being interrupted for over an hour.
Matchday Cancelled After Lengthy Delays
Despite previous complaints, Riot Games proceeded with today’s schedule. However, after a 3-hour-long match between Team Liquid and KCORP, the ongoing interruptions forced Riot to cancel the matchday entirely. The community and teams were quick to react to the sudden decision.
Source: VCT EMEA
Teams Pull Out in Protest of Technical Failures
The situation escalated after Movistar KOI, owned by Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos, announced on social media their withdrawal from VCT EMEA until technical conditions improve. Their statement triggered a chain reaction across the region.
Source: Movistar KOI
Teams Confirming Withdrawal So Far:
Movistar KOI
G2 Esports
Apeks
GIANTX
MIBR (in solidarity from VCT Americas)
These announcements have sparked debate among fans and media, with platforms like Dexerto and Dot Esports covering the controversy. The lack of infrastructure stability is now a top concern for Riot Games in its EMEA operations.
Fans believed the VCT EMEA was falling apart—until it was revealed that it was all a prank. The teams coordinated the joke to draw attention to the technical issues while showing unity and humor. The esports community, while briefly shocked, applauded the clever stunt.