Due to the current war in Ukraine, it’s unlikely we’ll be seeing Russian players compete at VCT Masters, as they would possibly be banned from the event. Some of the teams that have qualified for VCT Masters already have some Russian players in their roster, namely FunPlus Phoenix and the recently qualified Fnatic. The latter is rumored to already be in talks with possible substitute players, with BONECOLD being a much mentioned name.
G2 has locked in their spot at Masters Reykjavik.
The three EMEA teams in attendance will be Fnatic, FPX, and G2.
Although there remains major question-marks surrounding the attendance of Russian players that would directly affect FNC and FPX. #VCT
— Max Katz (@purest) March 25, 2022
FunPlus Phoenix boasts a roster featuring one Ukrainian players and two Russians, with the latter being Andrey “Shao” Kiprsky and Dmitry “SUYGUTSU” Ilyushin. It’s unlikely that the pair will be at the start of the tournament. Riot Games is currently still debating the issue and should be informing the teams of the status soon, but due to limitations imposed on Russia and the issue of travel, it looks like teams will have to find substitutes.
VCT Masters is kicking off on April 10, running until April 24. The tournament itself is played in Reykjavik, Iceland, which has previously played host to tournaments organized by Riot Games in both League of Legends and VALORANT alike. A total of 12 teams will be participating, brought in from around the world.
Read more:
- Sentinels sweep Fnatic in Masters Reykjavik grand finals, qualify for VCT Champions
- MSI and VALORANT Stage 2 Masters to take place in Reykjavik in May
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Image Credits: Riot Games