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NAVI Faces Penalty at VALORANT Champions 2023 for Banned Substance Use On Stage
After their recent defeat to DRX at VALORANT Champions 2023, NAVI is gearing up for a comeback. They’re aiming for a win that would catapult them into the playoffs. However, a minor controversy has overshadowed their efforts, as head coach Erik “d00mbr0s” Sandgren disclosed that the team had been penalized during the first map of the series for using a banned substance on stage.
Source: Colin Young-Wolff / Riot Games
NAVI Lose a Timeout
In a tweet that has since been deleted, the 28-year-old coach revealed that NAVI had one of their timeouts rescinded because a player was caught using Snus on-stage. Kyrylo “ANGE1” Karasov, the in-game leader and veteran, was spotted on the broadcast inserting a small pouch into his upper lip, leading to immediate action from Riot Games officials.
According to the 2023 VCT ruleset which is in place for the VALORANT Champions 2023, only drinks in league-approved resealable containers and chewing gum are permitted on-stage. None of these rules are much different to other VCT tournaments. Other items such as food, tobacco, and nicotine-based products are strictly prohibited in the match area.
Snus is a moist, smokeless tobacco packaged in teabag-like sachets, often placed under the upper lip. Unlike American dipping tobacco, which requires spitting out after prolonged use, Snus is an alternative tobacco consumption method. This form of tobacco has gained popularity among esports players, including many European League of Legends players, who reportedly use Snus to cope with public pressure and other career-related issues.
Players must now refrain from using Snus on stage, as the repercussions are evident. The situation has sparked humor on social media. Figures like Team Liquid’s Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel and NRG’s head coach Chet Singh making light of it. NAVI, meanwhile, must concentrate on their last match of the Champions group stage, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 12. There’s still quite a road ahead for this team!
