Riot cracks down on tobacco products used at VCT Champions

Tokoni Uti Published 08/08/2023

The tournament organizers of VCT Champions have issued penalties to teams found to be using tobacco products at the events, according to multiple participants. 

After allegedly using snus at the event—a product often employed as a tobacco substitute by placing it between the upper lip and gum—participants turned to social media after they were punished by Riot Games. During the Group D playoff match between DRX and Natus Vincere, the European team was penalized for one of the members supposedly utilizing the tobacco replacement during a match. 

It was noted by head coach Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren that the team lost a timeout because of the usage of the substance. 

VCT rules prohibit the usage of tobacco or nicotine products

The usage of tobacco products is strictly prohibited by Riot at VCT events for a multitude of reasons, including any impact it may have on player performance. However, the support team members have also been barred from using nicotine around the players. In the VCT 2023 ruleset, tobacco is listed as one of the products that is banned in the match area at tournaments. 

“Tobacco and other nicotine products are prohibited in the Match Area,” the rule states. 

Members of the community were quick to note that other nicotine products had supposedly been used in the past, such as vapes. The head coach of Evil Geniuses, Christine “potter” Chi, was seen using a vape in the coaching booth during a match at VCT Masters Tokyo. But since the rules only prohibit tobacco and nicotine, this supposedly allows for vapes that do not contain either of these substances, which are easily purchasable. 

Team Liquid star player Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel noted that the usage of the substances can disqualify the team from the competition. He said that he will quit his addiction to snus moving forward. 

Read Also

Valorant

VCT Masters London Final Swiss Stage Predictions: Who Makes the Playoffs? Owen Harsono There are only two playoff spots remaining at VCT Masters London, and the final day of the Swiss Stage will decide which teams claim them. Every match today is a must-win, with elimination on the line for all four teams involved. Here are our VCT Masters London Swiss Stage predictions for the final day. NRG will take on FUT Esports in a do-or-die match. We have a very experienced team ...

Valorant

Which teams will make it to the VCT Masters London playoffs? Owen Harsono The first round of the VCT Masters London Swiss Stage has come to a close, and we have a pretty good idea of which teams are looking good – and which ones aren’t. Let’s take a look at the frontrunners who will likely survive the first stage with flying colors. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally able to see the EMEA superteam play in their first international ...

Esports Betting

VALORANT Masters London 2026: Teams, format, prize pool and odds Owen Harsono After a long wait, international Valorant action is back. Twelve of the best teams across four major regions have booked their spots at the upcoming VALORANT Masters London 2026 tournament, and we’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know about the event. Masters London is the second international VALORANT tournament of the year, following Masters Santiago in February and March. We have several new rookies making their ...

Valorant

NRG vs 100 Thieves betting predictions and best picks: VCT Americas Stage 1 Owen Harsono NRG will take on 100 Thieves in the lower bracket of VCT Americas Stage 1, with the winner booking the final spot at Valorant Masters London 2026. There’s a lot on the line, as this series will determine how the next few months look for both teams. Here is our NRG vs 100 Thieves VCT Americas Stage 1 predictions. Tournament: VCT Americas Stage 1 Stage: Playoffs Game: Valorant Format: Best-of-three ...

Esports Betting

EWC officially heads to Paris for 2026 as early reports confirmed Michael Hassall The Esports World Cup 2026 will take place in Paris, France from July later this year as per an new announcement by the EWC organizers, the Esports Foundation. Revealed in a post on their official social media, and an accompanying release and blog post, the announcement confirmed earlier speculation that the event would move location due to the “regional situation” around Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Here’s the info: The Esports World ...

Valorant

Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE betting preview, odds, and best picks: VCT Pacific Stage 1 grand final predictions Owen Harsono FULL SENSE will take on Paper Rex for the VCT Pacific crown, as the two teams clash in the Pacific Stage 1 grand finals. The former made a clean run through the upper bracket, while the latter has been ramping up through the lower bracket. Here are our Paper Rex vs FULL SENSE VCT Pacific predictions. Tournament: VCT Pacific Stage 1 Stage: Grand Final Game: Valorant Format: Best of 5 ...

Valorant

Valorant’s TenZ joins T1 as a content creator Hannan Mundia After a long career with Sentinels, the former professional Valorant player TenZ joined T1 as a content creator. Riot Games’ FPS title Valorant has given rise to multiple names. However, few have earned the recognition and respect that Tyson “TenZ” Van Ngo has. While he has retired from his career as a professional Valorant player, he continues to create content on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. While he’s most ...