Main image via Riot Games
The latest news bites for Valorant
Curry joins T1
Rahul “curry” Nemani is shifting games, from CS:GO to Valorant with his signing with T1. He previously played with Under 21, Triumph, and Rebirth Esports.
He started to play with T1 in early February when the team played for the VCT qualifiers; unfortunately T1 was eliminated in round 64. Curry joins the lineup after T1 released Keven “AZK” Larivière and Braxton “Brax” Pierce from the roster.
Luminiosity Gaming announces Valorant Lineup
The team has announced that Diondre “YABOIDRE” Bond, 
Kaleb “moose” Jayne, Alex “aproto” Protopapas, Brenden “stellar” McGrathand Brady “thief” Dever is the team’s official Valorant lineup for 2021.
The highlight for the team so far has been winning the Nerd Street Gamers: Winter Championship in 2020, as well as defeating 100 Thieves & placing the latter in the lower bracket rounds for the NA VCT Challengers leg. Unfortunately they will be taking part in the 3rd round of Challengers to try and secure a spot in the NA Masters leg for VCT.
TikTok and Fight Esports to host new Valorant Tournament in PH
A new Valorant tournament is set to be held in the Philippines called #TikTokGGPH Creator Cup. This tournament is a collaboration between the popular social media platform and Forest Interactive Gaming Habitat Team (FIGHT Esports).
“TikTok continues to pursue opportunities to inspire creativity and bring joy to all Filipinos. With gaming actively becoming a positive source for community building and enjoyment, we are happy to be doing our part in providing the growing gaming community with a platform for education, positive connections and interaction" - TikTok Gaming Operations Manager for the Philippines John Castro.
It is set to take place from February 27 to 28, 2021, with the entirety of the event will be live-streamed on TikTok via @tiktokggphofficial.
Riot responds to criticism to VCT Game Changers
In response to social media commentary on the brand’s new initiative, Riot Games answered some questions and criticisms posted by fans on their reddit page on the VCT Game Changers. Many have come out in support of the tournament; others have questioned the move to host a separate event that excludes male players specifically.
Valorant’s Insights & Strategy dev Coleman ‘Altombre’ Palm commented on some of the philosophy of the competition. He said that
...the goal of the program is not to divide genders, but to support the communities of women who exist in VALORANT eand highlight incredible players of those communities ... the endgame to provide mor opportunities for growth for everyone.
The Game Changers will kick off in North America first in March, with the prize pool matching the Ignition series. Game Changers will also run alongside the main VCT circuit.
