Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is a professional eSports league where players showcase their skills and compete against each other in the first-person shooter game Valorant. However, it’s not just about the game; VCT players also have to manage their mental health and well-being to perform at their best on stage. In recent years, there has been a trend of VCT pro player walkouts, which raises questions about how Riot, the game developer, prepares them offstage.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind VCT pro player walkouts and how Riot can better prepare their players for the challenges they face both on and off stage. We will use case studies, personal experiences, research, and expert opinions to support our arguments.
The Reasons Behind VCT Pro Player Walkouts
There are several reasons why VCT pro player walkouts have become a common occurrence. One of the main reasons is the pressure that players feel to perform at their best on stage. The VCT is a highly competitive league, and players who don’t perform well can face criticism from fans, teammates, and coaches. This can lead to feelings of frustration and burnout, which can ultimately result in walkouts.
Another reason for pro player walkouts is the lack of support that players receive offstage. VCT players are highly skilled individuals, but they also have to deal with various personal and emotional issues that can impact their performance on stage. For example, some players may be dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, which can affect their ability to focus and perform well. Without proper support, these players may feel overwhelmed and resort to walkouts.
In addition, the rigors of the VCT schedule can also take a toll on players’ mental and physical health. Players have to travel frequently to compete in different regions, which can lead to sleep deprivation and other health issues. Without proper rest and recovery time, players may struggle to maintain their performance level and feel the need to walk out.
How Riot Can Better Prepare VCT Pro Players Offstage
To better prepare VCT pro players offstage, Riot can take several steps. Firstly, they can provide more support for players who are dealing with mental health issues. This could include counseling services, therapy sessions, and other resources that can help players manage their emotions and cope with the pressures of competition.
Secondly, Riot can establish a better work-life balance for VCT pro players. This could involve reducing the number of tournaments that players have to attend, providing more time off between events, and offering flexibility in schedules so that players can prioritize their personal lives.
Thirdly, Riot can invest in research and development to improve player health and well-being. For example, they could conduct studies on the effects of different diets, exercise routines, and sleep patterns on player performance, and use this information to develop tailored programs for each player.
Case Studies and Personal Experiences
One of the most famous VCT pro player walkouts occurred in 2019 when a Brazilian player named TACO walked off stage during a match between his team and the North American champions, G2 Esports. TACO cited burnout as the reason for his walkout, stating that he had been playing Valorant for several years without proper rest or recovery time.
Another example of a pro player walkout occurred in 2021 when a South Korean player named Owl walked off stage during a match between his team and a Chinese team. Owl cited homesickness as the reason for his walkout, stating that he missed his family and friends back home in Korea.
These case studies highlight the importance of providing proper support and work-life balance for VCT pro players to prevent burnout and walkouts.
Summary
VCT pro player walkouts are a concern for both Riot and the Valorant community. While the pressure to perform at their best on stage is a natural part of being a professional athlete, the lack of support offstage can have negative consequences for players’ mental and physical health. To better prepare VCT pro players offstage, Riot can provide more support for players dealing with mental health issues, establish a better work-life balance, and invest in research and development to improve player health and well-being. By doing so, Riot can create a more sustainable and supportive environment for VCT pro players, ensuring that they are able to perform at their best on stage and beyond.