Basically what the title says.
It's been a while but I remember TheGaurd definitely not being the worst team in VCT back then.
So why did they leave tier 2?
(Unless my memory serves me very wrong and they never were in VCT?)
Wrong the org did not want to move forward with supporting a team in VCT. I don't know the exact reason, but ppl are saying it was because management/backers did not see it as a profitable venture, so they pulled out. Initially, VCT said they weren't allowed in (roster), but then they changed the ruling, potentially allowing other organizations to sign the roster; G2 eventually did after their debacle of getting dropped from being a partnered team.
you're thinking of crazy raccoon, the JP team who had tons of fans and popularity who missed out, so Riot had to go with DFM due to paperwork error.