Masters Tokyo ticket refunds; ZETA drama

In recent days, discussions regarding ticket refunds have gained momentum on Twitter following ZETA's loss three to five days ago.
https://twitter.com/paaaas33/status/1660612620519628800

Based on my observations, a significant number of tweets indicate that many people are considering refunding and reselling their tickets due to ZETA's defeat. However, there are also those who are voicing their support for the event and urging people to attend.
https://twitter.com/SpiNizzz/status/1660458899613573120

Scalpers are selling tickets for 700+ USD {Refer to the tweet above (I don't even know who is buying that)}. Ticket scalping or reselling has been a persistent issue in Japan, typically noticeable during the release of popular movies. It is not surprising that scalpers are attempting to profit from this event as well but the problem is that the attendance of the event is kind of unpredictable right now. Resellers are only contributing to the problem more.

Meanwhile, there are people who sympathize with those seeking refunds. Criticizing those opting for refunds is not my intention. Their viewpoints hold objectivity.
https://twitter.com/omuomu0527/status/1660601983932456964

I wholeheartedly agree with a particular post that emphasizes the reliance of ZETA (and possibly other JP teams) on tactics of the idol industry. They sowed this, now they're reaping. I wanted to make a post about ZETA turning the eSports scene into idol business, but that's a different topic for another day.
https://twitter.com/6theBrave/status/1660599228228579330

Now, the question arises: how crazy are ZETA fans? Following ZETA's loss against T1, cr0w threw an important round, most important probably, which instantly cost us the entire game, the player in question understandably faced some criticism on Twitter. However, the criticism remained relatively mild as the majority of fans expressed their unwavering support. Certain fans took screenshots of critical tweets and resorted to threatening to report them to the ZETA management team for defamation, which made them delete the tweets :/

So.... yes, things are not looking good. Refer to the tweet about ZETA using idol tactics. Most of their fans are fangirls too. They have created such a situation.

Despite what others are saying, I believe that Grand Finals and semi finals will have a crowd no matter what. FNATIC games will also have a sizeable audience because of FNATIC JP, they have a lot of support. Same with DRX, LOUD. But those are only a few games. It remains uncertain how other games will fare. If anything, the impact will likely be felt primarily by online viewership.

Had ZETA played and experienced an immediate defeat, the situation may have been more manageable. However, the absence of their participation, combined with fan dissatisfaction over the lack of a host country slot, has made the situation much more worse.

i read allat, thanks for sharing

this is very well written!

allat

👍

While I like the writing of this piece, it seems to blame zeta for the potential loss of fans. Everyone who bought tickets knew the risk that zeta may not make it, and now they have to find their own solution. This is in no way zetas fault, and I think it's kinda weird and annoying to blame the org or the players

Rubrik_Duck [#6]

While I like the writing of this piece, it seems to blame zeta for the potential loss of fans. Everyone who bought tickets knew the risk that zeta may not make it, and now they have to find their own solution. This is in no way zetas fault, and I think it's kinda weird and annoying to blame the org or the players

I am not blaming the players. However, I am blaming the org. ZETA is responsible for using these idol tactics. Fans openly admit that they are not players, athletes, but idols, so it's okay if they underperform. ZETA fans are not fans of Valorant, they are fans of ZETA's players. Similar to how in a concert event, if a popular group suddenly announces that they are not appearing, fans are expected to refund. Once again, not blaming the players, but the org definitely has a hand in this problem.

Dfm rn: 💀

If they want a refund I don't think they should be blamed for that

noticed the idol treatment too after zeta issued a statement asking fans not to wait outside their building (?). but i dont think it's exactly a bad thing and it's kinda same as back in sao paulo where brazil/loud get so much audience in their games while others dont. it's just the nature of the fanbase. the refunds are sad but they are entitled to it what can we do.

Riot should have given 1 slot to Japan and only 1 to China

but i thought this only happens in contries like brazil

arin2016 [#7]

I am not blaming the players. However, I am blaming the org. ZETA is responsible for using these idol tactics. Fans openly admit that they are not players, athletes, but idols, so it's okay if they underperform. ZETA fans are not fans of Valorant, they are fans of ZETA's players. Similar to how in a concert event, if a popular group suddenly announces that they are not appearing, fans are expected to refund. Once again, not blaming the players, but the org definitely has a hand in this problem.

Can you give some examples of how zeta actually made this "idol culture"? I haven't seen anything from them outside of the norm for eSports.

himne [#10]

noticed the idol treatment too after zeta issued a statement asking fans not to wait outside their building (?). but i dont think it's exactly a bad thing and it's kinda same as back in sao paulo where brazil/loud get so much audience in their games while others dont. it's just the nature of the fanbase. the refunds are sad but they are entitled to it what can we do.

turkey is the only exception, stadium was full

refund is one thing m

but scalpers selling tickets for 700+ is absolutely disgusting

every event in brazil no matter the type has scalpers, everyone hates them but it is what it is, at least they dont sell it absurdely expensive like this

oh wow $700

Honestly I find it quite dumb from Riot to host an event in a country and not inviting a team from that country to participate, I feel like a free slot should be given to whoever country you're hosting, it already happened with Turkey and now Japan.

Even the WC allowed Qatar to participate since it was held in Qatar

Rubrik_Duck [#13]

Can you give some examples of how zeta actually made this "idol culture"? I haven't seen anything from them outside of the norm for eSports.

ZETA didn't start this idol-like treatment, but they do endorse it. Ever since their one good run, they have completely given up on improving. The majority of the fans do not want a roster change because by a stroke of luck, ZETA somehow ended up with a team full of good-looking players. And ZETA, fully capitalizes on this instead of doing what's good for the team. They have been criticised for having cr0w on the team for a long time but they simply do not want to change the roster at all. Unlike DRX, who also don't change their roster much, ZETA doesn't produce any result to keep the same roster.

Their supposed management team that the fans send all the slanderers to so they can be fined, are also a sign of this. Management teams to shut down slander are often seen in the idol scene.

https://twitter.com/ta9orainu/status/1661787321203855360
This tweet appeared in my timeline and I saved it. It is genuinely my first time seeing someone criticizing ZETA just like any normal person would, so I had to bookmark it. It's saying that as long as the players (Who I think are delusional) keep asking the org to not change the roster (which they will happily listen to) ZETA will never win a championship. So ZETA should just stick to their idol-like activities (handshake and autograph booths) and the fans will laud them as heroes for life.

himne [#10]

noticed the idol treatment too after zeta issued a statement asking fans not to wait outside their building (?). but i dont think it's exactly a bad thing and it's kinda same as back in sao paulo where brazil/loud get so much audience in their games while others dont. it's just the nature of the fanbase. the refunds are sad but they are entitled to it what can we do.

There is a significant difference. LOUD fans in Brazil are fans of the Brazillian org, not fans of the players. If LOUD were to consistently perform badly, and if the org were to change the roster, fans wouldn't really make an issue. And if Furia were to be the top team in Brazil, fans would happily cheer for them. LOUD, the org, and Brazillian fans, both of them want results, not idols. It is their pride.

The situation with ZETA is completely different. ZETA fans don't want nor care for results, they want more handshakes from Dep. And if ZETA were to change their roster then the fans will make a big fuss about it.

arin2016 [#19]

ZETA didn't start this idol-like treatment, but they do endorse it. Ever since their one good run, they have completely given up on improving. The majority of the fans do not want a roster change because by a stroke of luck, ZETA somehow ended up with a team full of good-looking players. And ZETA, fully capitalizes on this instead of doing what's good for the team. They have been criticised for having cr0w on the team for a long time but they simply do not want to change the roster at all. Unlike DRX, who also don't change their roster much, ZETA doesn't produce any result to keep the same roster.

Their supposed management team that the fans send all the slanderers to so they can be fined, are also a sign of this. Management teams to shut down slander are often seen in the idol scene.

https://twitter.com/ta9orainu/status/1661787321203855360
This tweet appeared in my timeline and I saved it. It is genuinely my first time seeing someone criticizing ZETA just like any normal person would, so I had to bookmark it. It's saying that as long as the players (Who I think are delusional) keep asking the org to not change the roster (which they will happily listen to) ZETA will never win a championship. So ZETA should just stick to their idol-like activities (handshake and autograph booths) and the fans will laud them as heroes for life.

what the hell lmao, no wonder they sucks ass

Trapyy_ [#16]

every event in brazil no matter the type has scalpers, everyone hates them but it is what it is, at least they dont sell it absurdely expensive like this

Yes, the scalpers in Japan are crazy. A few days ago I saw a post about Suzume no Tojimari (beautiful film by the way, really recommend it if it's playing in a theater near you), an anime film that released November of last year. Since it's been running for quite a long time, and it's ending it's run soon, there are special events like stage greeting and etcetera. Scalpers are selling tickets for these events for the same price, 700+ USD. Even for premiere of the film, I saw a similar post from a person that was looking for tickets and the price was more than that and absolutely absurd.

Ain't reading allat but thanks for the information have a nice day

arin2016 [#19]

ZETA didn't start this idol-like treatment, but they do endorse it. Ever since their one good run, they have completely given up on improving. The majority of the fans do not want a roster change because by a stroke of luck, ZETA somehow ended up with a team full of good-looking players. And ZETA, fully capitalizes on this instead of doing what's good for the team. They have been criticised for having cr0w on the team for a long time but they simply do not want to change the roster at all. Unlike DRX, who also don't change their roster much, ZETA doesn't produce any result to keep the same roster.

Their supposed management team that the fans send all the slanderers to so they can be fined, are also a sign of this. Management teams to shut down slander are often seen in the idol scene.

https://twitter.com/ta9orainu/status/1661787321203855360
This tweet appeared in my timeline and I saved it. It is genuinely my first time seeing someone criticizing ZETA just like any normal person would, so I had to bookmark it. It's saying that as long as the players (Who I think are delusional) keep asking the org to not change the roster (which they will happily listen to) ZETA will never win a championship. So ZETA should just stick to their idol-like activities (handshake and autograph booths) and the fans will laud them as heroes for life.

Other Japanese orgs do this too right? Like Fennel etc

arin2016 [#20]

There is a significant difference. LOUD fans in Brazil are fans of the Brazillian org, not fans of the players. If LOUD were to consistently perform badly, and if the org were to change the roster, fans wouldn't really make an issue. And if Furia were to be the top team in Brazil, fans would happily cheer for them. LOUD, the org, and Brazillian fans, both of them want results, not idols. It is their pride.

The situation with ZETA is completely different. ZETA fans don't want nor care for results, they want more handshakes from Dep. And if ZETA were to change their roster then the fans will make a big fuss about it.

ほとんどのファンが全く結果を気にして無いってのはさすがに言い過ぎじゃ無い？「今のチームで変えずに頑張ってほしい」の気持ちが強すぎてるだけで

Imagine If this situation happened in Brazil ☠️☠️☠️☠️

zeta fans = loud fans
but
loud prove something they have 2022 champion
meanwhile zeta........

also i dont get it how they still loyal for a year after bad performence, a lot teams japan ascension could clear zeta

and the crucial part

ZETA turning the eSports scene into idol business

i wish they do tickets in two stages, one stage for public, and another for each team fanbase, equally distributed quota for each team. made it easier for ppl traveling long distances wanting to see their team perform too

Is this similar to the case with Brazilian fans?

masterbaiter69 [#25]

ほとんどのファンが全く結果を気にして無いってのはさすがに言い過ぎじゃ無い？「今のチームで変えずに頑張ってほしい」の気持ちが強すぎてるだけで

部のファンは結果を求めていないと言っています。それはただ私の観察です

arin2016 [#19]

ZETA didn't start this idol-like treatment, but they do endorse it. Ever since their one good run, they have completely given up on improving. The majority of the fans do not want a roster change because by a stroke of luck, ZETA somehow ended up with a team full of good-looking players. And ZETA, fully capitalizes on this instead of doing what's good for the team. They have been criticised for having cr0w on the team for a long time but they simply do not want to change the roster at all. Unlike DRX, who also don't change their roster much, ZETA doesn't produce any result to keep the same roster.

Their supposed management team that the fans send all the slanderers to so they can be fined, are also a sign of this. Management teams to shut down slander are often seen in the idol scene.

https://twitter.com/ta9orainu/status/1661787321203855360
This tweet appeared in my timeline and I saved it. It is genuinely my first time seeing someone criticizing ZETA just like any normal person would, so I had to bookmark it. It's saying that as long as the players (Who I think are delusional) keep asking the org to not change the roster (which they will happily listen to) ZETA will never win a championship. So ZETA should just stick to their idol-like activities (handshake and autograph booths) and the fans will laud them as heroes for life.

💀

Ever since their one good run, they have completely given up on improving. The majority of the fans do not want a roster change because by a stroke of luck

MitiYa [#29]

Is this similar to the case with Brazilian fans?

#27

arin2016 [#30]

部のファンは結果を求めていないと言っています。それはただ私の観察です

i don't agree with that.
the delusional fans are just stupid and can't understand that ZETA needs a roster change. Instead they genuinely believes that they can win something with this roster like they did in Reykyavik.
i understand your point tho

Chow1E [#27]

zeta fans = loud fans
but
loud prove something they have 2022 champion
meanwhile zeta........

also i dont get it how they still loyal for a year after bad performence, a lot teams japan ascension could clear zeta

and the crucial part

ZETA turning the eSports scene into idol business

zeta are still the best japanese team by far

thatpower [#34]

zeta are still the best japanese team by far

yet, but not an international class team

They are letting some random chinese teams in

just let zeta play LUL

Curious 🧐. i was told japanese fans are the best because they support every team and they will fill up the arena every game 🤔

Valgod [#37]

Curious 🧐. i was told japanese fans are the best because they support every team and they will fill up the arena every game 🤔

bcs they didnt much exist in this site

Valgod [#37]

Curious 🧐. i was told japanese fans are the best because they support every team and they will fill up the arena every game 🤔

but but brazil fans bad 😡😡😡 japanese fans passionate 🥺🥺🥺

I think the only thing that needs to be said here is entitlement, it's a competitive sport where the best teams get through, just because your team didn't end up getting through doesn't give u the right to refund or resell tickets, you knew the risks of zeta not being there when u bought the tickets and if u didn't then I'd argue you shouldn't just presume your team will get through

Onto the second point, did u seriously want riot to just completely ruin all competitive integrity they have left purely to get a Japanese team into the Japanese Masters, i think a good point to make here is that respect is not given it is earned, in this circumstance, If u genuinely knew that riot rigged the games to make sure zeta made it through purely because they are good for representation, would that really make u proud to support them?

I just don't understand the expectation, did they just expect zeta to get through because they were Japanese? that isn't how it works, the reselling tickets is fair enough in my eyes, I'd do it anyway but only if I legitimately cannot go, if u bought them why not just go anyway it'd be a sick ass experience and event that most people don't even get to experience, So once again I circle back to entitlement.

I read allat

melodymur [#18]

Honestly I find it quite dumb from Riot to host an event in a country and not inviting a team from that country to participate, I feel like a free slot should be given to whoever country you're hosting, it already happened with Turkey and now Japan.

Even the WC allowed Qatar to participate since it was held in Qatar

The world cup let Qatar in because hosting the world cup isn't a prize, it's a sacrifice that actually nobody wants anymore, it's a publicity and tourism stunt that actually no one realistically needs nowadays, to put it into context, Qatar built 6.5-10 Billion pounds worth of new buildings, such as stadiums, hotels, etc just to house the people coming to see the games (Source) https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/qatar-fifa-world-cup-2022-how-much-money-host-nation-spent-on-the-most-expensive-mens-tournament/articleshow/96319520.cms?from=mdr

FIFA do it because they know that actually, it isn't a good thing to host, it's actually a massive sacrifice, if valorant ever gets like that it would not be a good thing

Classic riot messing up LANs. Why would they not give a host country slot

Bonkbonk201 [#40]

I think the only thing that needs to be said here is entitlement, it's a competitive sport where the best teams get through, just because your team didn't end up getting through doesn't give u the right to refund or resell tickets, you knew the risks of zeta not being there when u bought the tickets and if u didn't then I'd argue you shouldn't just presume your team will get through

Onto the second point, did u seriously want riot to just completely ruin all competitive integrity they have left purely to get a Japanese team into the Japanese Masters, i think a good point to make here is that respect is not given it is earned, in this circumstance, If u genuinely knew that riot rigged the games to make sure zeta made it through purely because they are good for representation, would that really make u proud to support them?

I just don't understand the expectation, did they just expect zeta to get through because they were Japanese? that isn't how it works, the reselling tickets is fair enough in my eyes, I'd do it anyway but only if I legitimately cannot go, if u bought them why not just go anyway it'd be a sick ass experience and event that most people don't even get to experience, So once again I circle back to entitlement.

because they were Japanese?

Chow1E [#44]

because they were Japanese?

your point being? i wasn't saying a statement, i was asking a question, hence the question mark

Bonkbonk201 [#40]

I think the only thing that needs to be said here is entitlement, it's a competitive sport where the best teams get through, just because your team didn't end up getting through doesn't give u the right to refund or resell tickets, you knew the risks of zeta not being there when u bought the tickets and if u didn't then I'd argue you shouldn't just presume your team will get through

Onto the second point, did u seriously want riot to just completely ruin all competitive integrity they have left purely to get a Japanese team into the Japanese Masters, i think a good point to make here is that respect is not given it is earned, in this circumstance, If u genuinely knew that riot rigged the games to make sure zeta made it through purely because they are good for representation, would that really make u proud to support them?

I just don't understand the expectation, did they just expect zeta to get through because they were Japanese? that isn't how it works, the reselling tickets is fair enough in my eyes, I'd do it anyway but only if I legitimately cannot go, if u bought them why not just go anyway it'd be a sick ass experience and event that most people don't even get to experience, So once again I circle back to entitlement.

So you are saying the 2 China slots were deserved? Like why not give 1 to a Japanese team and 1 to a Chinese team

threatening to show any criticism to zeta's management team is crazy 💀💀💀

Extremely well written! Thank you! Some notes to make-

I'm not surprised by this outcome; this is common behavior by most regions to my knowledge. Some people have a favorite team that they hinge their entire viewership on, and if they don't make it, they don't see a point in watching. However, because it is set in Japan which is more isolated compared to a tournament held in, for example, Europe, there's a larger amount of domestic ticket buyers meaning more people who are there for their home country which is not attending. If there was a tournament in Germany, neighboring countries could easily buy tickets and attend but Japan is isolated meaning that cannot be the case for this tournament.

I agree with #40 that it does seem to me slightly entitled to not enjoy an event that you already bought tickets for just because a team you like doesn't qualify, especially considering you bought them before knowing that outcome. This can come down to there obviously being limited seating in the Arena, and you don't want it to sell out on the chance that ZETA does qualify, however you should know the risks. In my opinion, there are many teams and regions in the game, and I feel it's easy to find individual players or teams you enjoy outside of your region. For example, I am a big fan of the Liquid roster as well as the LOUD roster even though I am in America. It's obviously more enjoyable and fun to root for the hometown heroes, but basing your entire enjoyment of the game off how a singular team is doing will only end up causing disappointment most times as your team will not always win. (RIP Loud beating Fnatic in Brazil.)

ZETA capitalizing on an "Idol" culture for their team is actually a fantastic idea and probably nets them a lot of money compared to other organizations. It's a solid revenue model and I think a lot of orgs really should be taking notes. I wouldn't be surprised if they are one of the more "profitable" organizations due to building up this culture and strong fanbase. However, you can see the results of this are that the fans are fanatic and clingy to the team, similar to many physical sports outside of eSports.

I do hope this situation ends up not affecting the tournament too negatively. I am very much looking forward to it, and I agree with the sentiment that if the audience does this and the attendance is not up to par, Riot has many other options in the future for hosting their tournaments.

Zeta isnt even that good. No way that they expected Zeta to qualify. Would have been a huge upset if zeta would have qualified so they had to know that zeta probably dont makes it tokyo before buying the tickets

melodymur [#46]

So you are saying the 2 China slots were deserved? Like why not give 1 to a Japanese team and 1 to a Chinese team

i mean realistically, why are they even there in the first place, to give "reach", having teams from every region, evidently makes your game bigger, so was it deserved? probably not, but was it a hella good business move from a massive company, Yes.

I feel like the fact they focus business over playerbase is quite shameful, but at the end of the day, they are a company, they need to make a profit, and they need viewers to get that because that's what causes people to want to sponsor them, etc.

So in short, is it deserved? No, they didn't face other teams which are on equal or better footing to get there, but they are still the best in their region, however small said region is, so that should be respected, we saw the same with drx in pacific and look how competitive that looks now, we saw this with optic in NA in the past, it happens everywhere and is essentially a part of the valorant ecosystem, it's how the game develops.

Bonkbonk201 [#50]

i mean realistically, why are they even there in the first place, to give "reach", having teams from every region, evidently makes your game bigger, so was it deserved? probably not, but was it a hella good business move from a massive company, Yes.

I feel like the fact they focus business over playerbase is quite shameful, but at the end of the day, they are a company, they need to make a profit, and they need viewers to get that because that's what causes people to want to sponsor them, etc.

So in short, is it deserved? No, they didn't face other teams which are on equal or better footing to get there, but they are still the best in their region, however small said region is, so that should be respected, we saw the same with drx in pacific and look how competitive that looks now, we saw this with optic in NA in the past, it happens everywhere and is essentially a part of the valorant ecosystem, it's how the game develops.

Agree, but according to your point, it'd also make sense to invite a Japanese team as well knowing that the event is being held in Japan

masterbaiter69 [#33]

i don't agree with that.
the delusional fans are just stupid and can't understand that ZETA needs a roster change. Instead they genuinely believes that they can win something with this roster like they did in Reykyavik.
i understand your point tho

I am speaking from what I have seen. The "they are idols so they don't have to win" mentality started picking up pace after their loss at Champions 2022. Starting from the day they lost and were sent home, I have never seen them receive criticism in 9 losses. Since they lost to LOUD at the Champions, people decided to not be too harsh. The only reason the 1% decided to open up about ZETA this time around, is because this loss was too shameful even for the genuine supporters. DFM performing atrociously was the cherry-on-top.

The fans of ZETA are proper fanatics. I have already mentioned how they are taking screenshots of slander tweets to report for defamation. I repeat, they do not care about results. It's no longer delusion or stupidity. It's an obsession with the players.

melon_fan [#24]

Other Japanese orgs do this too right? Like Fennel etc

I am aware that CR does this too. This Tweet in particular is making fun of ZETA fans who claim CR is the one selling the idol-image, and that ZETA produces real pro-gamers.

It is ironic. It's like watching a Blackpink fan and BTS fan argue with each other.

Bonkbonk201 [#40]

I think the only thing that needs to be said here is entitlement, it's a competitive sport where the best teams get through, just because your team didn't end up getting through doesn't give u the right to refund or resell tickets, you knew the risks of zeta not being there when u bought the tickets and if u didn't then I'd argue you shouldn't just presume your team will get through

Onto the second point, did u seriously want riot to just completely ruin all competitive integrity they have left purely to get a Japanese team into the Japanese Masters, i think a good point to make here is that respect is not given it is earned, in this circumstance, If u genuinely knew that riot rigged the games to make sure zeta made it through purely because they are good for representation, would that really make u proud to support them?

I just don't understand the expectation, did they just expect zeta to get through because they were Japanese? that isn't how it works, the reselling tickets is fair enough in my eyes, I'd do it anyway but only if I legitimately cannot go, if u bought them why not just go anyway it'd be a sick ass experience and event that most people don't even get to experience, So once again I circle back to entitlement.

It's practically impossible to maintain 100% competitive integrity in Sports. Because sports are a business after all. Sacrifices where necessary is absolutely needed, so situations like these won't occur. Is it entitlement? Yes. There is nothing to do about it.

But, there is a way to add a host country slot and not disrupt the competitive integrity that much. It would require some changes in the competition format, but the teams who deserve it, lets say DRX, PRX and T1, the teams who qualified for Masters, will definitely make it, plus an extra slot. That way, teams that deserve to enter Masters will make it there.

Very good insight, I was curious why all of a sudden these ZETA members suddenly embracing this celebrity/idol lifestyle instead of just being a normal professional players that keep improving despite having a good result after that Reykjavik 2022 run. I do agree that the org is at their fault here for embracing more of this idol lifestyle culture for the members instead of just let them being a normal professional player which I assume it's the same with most of the Japanese orgs such as FL or CR on how they set up the culture for the players. This kind of problem is also why I believe that VALORANT esports still doesn't have that much dedicated fanbase compared to other esports like Counter Strike or Dota2 where they mainly watch the esports for the gameplay and not because of a certain team participating.

"If you continue doing what you're down now, you'll live a comfortable life. you'll retire peacefully and eat good food, live in a big house and marry an idol

but you'll never be worth more than a B-tier duelist"

L japanese fans, even if this event is held in India, it will be very crowded with Indian fans even though there are no Indian teams competing

melodymur [#18]

Honestly I find it quite dumb from Riot to host an event in a country and not inviting a team from that country to participate, I feel like a free slot should be given to whoever country you're hosting, it already happened with Turkey and now Japan.

Even the WC allowed Qatar to participate since it was held in Qatar

now that we’re in franchising special treatments towards any team gives a bad precedence for the whole scene… whats the point of Zeta playing in the Pacific League if they qualify to Masters Tokyo and that goes the same to NA teams… why would they play in their league if they could just be invited into Champions LA

it diminishes the whole competitive integrity of the esports and causes a lot of drama