Recently, the world of VALORANT was caught in a controversy. The NAVI team was sanctioned for the use of banned substances in the VALORANT Champions 2023.
Sanction at VALORANT Champions 2023
NAVI is currently hoping to regain momentum after its loss to DRX. The team is aiming to continue advancing toward the 2023 VALORANT Champions playoffs. However, NAVI has recently been in the middle of a controversy circulating on social media. Head coach Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren has revealed that the team has been sanctioned for using a banned substance in the 2023 VALORANT Champions stage.
The coach commented on his Twitter account that NAVI had one of its timeouts canceled after one of its players was caught using Snus in the game. The message posted by the coach was deleted shortly after.
The player who committed the infraction in the game is team leader Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov. During the broadcast, all the viewers could see the veteran player put a pouch in his upper lip. This prompted a quick response from Riot Games, who decided to sanction NAVI.
It is important to note that the rules of VCT 2023 only allow on-stage drinks in containers previously approved by the league, as well as the consumption of chewing gum. However, other products such as food, tobacco, and nicotine-containing products are prohibited on the stage.
For those unfamiliar with Snus, a moist tobacco product, this product is often placed under the upper lip. On the other hand, the presentation of Snus is very similar to tea bags. Snus is an alternative to spreadable tobacco, which must be spat out after consumption, and is an alternative to smoking tobacco.
Tobacco use in esports
Today, esports players are increasingly turning to this cigarette alternative. For example, it has been reported that many League of Legends players use Snus as a substance that allows them to cope with exposure to large audiences. Other players have also confirmed that they use it to face personal challenges.
However, the use and consumption of Snus is completely prohibited in esports scenarios. That is why players should avoid consuming it in VALORANT Champions 2023, as it has set a precedent for the consequences of snus consumption.
As is common, many people have already made fun of the situation on social media. Among these people are coaches and players.
If you snus you get disqualified. Time to quit my addiction, FROM THIS DAY ONWARDS I WILL BE SNUS FREE.
— Sayf (@DSajoof) August 7, 2023
Despite the sanction that NAVI has suffered, it must focus on its last group stage match. This match will be played on August 12 and is a decisive match.