VALORANT Challengers NA tournament operator responds to cheating allegations

Tournament operator Liga ACE has officially denied any involvement of anti-cheat staff in assisting cheaters during VALORANT Challengers NA events. The response specifically addressed only the accusations of anti-cheat collusion, while remaining silent on other serious allegations.

Recently, both tier-1 and tier-2 players have raised concerns about growing issues within the VALORANT Challengers NA ecosystem. These include match-fixing, betting scandals, blackmail, and alleged negligence from anti-cheat staff regarding clear cheating behavior. A number of organizations have already exited the scene — a reflection of deeper structural problems. We previously covered these issues in detail in a separate report.

Regarding the accusations of possible cooperation between anti-cheat staff and cheaters, Riot Games and Liga ACE issued the following denial:

The recent allegations regarding North America Challengers have been under active investigation by Riot Games since they were brought forward last week. We want to be very clear: we take accusations like these extremely seriously, and Riot's Competitive Operations, Anti-Cheat, and Esports Rules & Compliance teams are thoroughly examining the matter.

However, suggestions of deliberate attempts by Riot employees to undermine competitive integrity represent incredibly serious accusations that can unfairly affect individuals both personally and professionally. Based on the information provided to Riot so far, there is no evidence of complicity or wrongdoing by anyone involved with Riot Anti-Cheat.

Just before the official statement, well-known esports organization M80 announced their exit from the league, leaving their Challengers NA slot to the players. This further signals that the issues raised by the community may have a serious basis — top-tier organizations likely wouldn't abandon a title without substantial reason.