In a surprising turn of events at the valorant champions tournament, NAVI penalty as a consequence of a player’s use of the smokeless tobacco product known as Snus. This incident led to NAVI losing a valuable timeout during a crucial match.
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Top Valorant Team NAVI Penalty For Secret Snus Habit At Champions Tournament
NAVI, the EMEA representatives, engaged in a closely contested match against DRX, which ultimately concluded with a score of 2-1 in favor of DRX.
However, the spotlight was not solely on the game’s outcome; it was cast upon a penalty imposed on NAVI during the winner’s match for their group at Valorant Champions.
The penalty materialized as a loss of a timeout for NAVI during the first map of the series, specifically on the map “Bind.”
This penalty was attributed to the use of Snus by one of the players from NAVI. The ramifications of this decision reverberated throughout the esports community.
Erik ‘d00mbr0s’ Sandgren, the head coach of NAVI, acknowledged and confirmed the penalty through a tweet.
Regrettably, the tweet has since been deleted, leaving a trace of the incident only in the minds of those who bore witness to it.
In recent years, Snus has gained popularity as a distinctive tobacco alternative, particularly within European circles. This intriguing product has not gone unnoticed within the realm of sports, notably making its mark in the Premier League.
Athletes have been observed discreetly placing pouches of powdered tobacco behind their upper lip, a practice often carried out during matches or training sessions.
The occurrence involving NAVI and Snus is not an isolated case within the esports domain. A report by Dot Esports highlighted a broader trend of Snus usage among players, particularly in the League of Legends European Championship.
Here, Snus is occasionally employed alongside other substances as a strategy to alleviate burnout and address mental health challenges experienced during rigorous competitive engagements.
Curiously, Riot Games, the orchestrators of Valorant, have refrained from releasing an official statement or decision regarding the penalty imposed on NAVI at the time of crafting this article, the stance of Riot Games remains undisclosed.
Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the 2023 VCT ruleset explicitly prohibits the presence of tobacco and nicotine products within the Match Area.
The esports community has not remained silent in the face of NAVI’s penalty. Several Valorant players responded to the incident with lighthearted remarks and jest.
Emir “rhyme” Muminovic, the IGL of Giants Gaming, humorously remarked, “Snus being treated like it’s a hard drug.” Such remarks underscore the irony of the stringent penalty.
Saif ‘Sayf’ Jibraeel from Team Liquid injected a dose of humor by pledging to quit Snus to avoid incurring penalties.
His jesting declaration, “If you snus, you get disqualified. Time to quit my addiction, FROM THIS DAY ONWARDS I WILL BE SNUS FREE,” brought a playful tone to the situation.
Even the coaches of esports teams engaged in the lighthearted banter. NAVI’s d00mbr0s responded to Sayf’s commitment with a wry comment: “RIP 1 timeout.” This exchange highlighted the camaraderie and playful nature prevalent within the esports community.
Chet ‘Chet’ Singh, the head coach of NRG, humorously questioned the differential treatment of substances, stating, “What about cigarettes? I have about three packs for tomorrow.”
His comment underscored the broader discourse surrounding the regulation of substances in esports.
Despite the setback, NAVI remains undeterred and will continue to compete in the tournament.
The upcoming decider match for the group is scheduled for August 12. In this decisive encounter, NAVI will face off against either Team Liquid or LOUD, determining the final team to advance from Group D.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the penalization of NAVI due to a player’s Snus usage has sparked discussions and jest within the esports community.
This incident sheds light on the evolving dynamics between substance regulation and competitive gaming, prompting contemplation on the delicate balance between player well-being and maintaining a fair competitive environment.
As the Valorant Champions tournament unfolds, the implications of this penalty will undoubtedly resonate within the esports sphere.