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Travel restrictions due to the Russia-Ukraine war and COVID have made it difficult for FPX players to attend Masters 1.
FunPlus Phoenix won the VCT EMEA Challengers 1 after a 3-1 victory over G2 esports. The players’ joy was, however, short-lived as Riot Games has announced Team Liquid will be replacing FPX at the Reykjavik Valorant Masters.
Why is FunPlus Phoenix not at the Reykjavik Valorant Masters?
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the accompanying travel restrictions has made international travel for several players impossible. Despite several attempts Riot Games has been unable to come to a suitable solution for the players.
“Travel restrictions in Ukraine and Russia, as well as existing COVID-19 regulations, continue to create numerous challenges for international travel. Over the past few weeks, our events, competitive operations and mobility teams worked to find solutions to ensure the FunPlus Phoenix roster could attend Masters Reyjkavik.”
Riot goes on to outline several of these options including extending the roster lock window, relaxing emergency substitute rules and liaising with the relevant government officials to secure visa and travel permissions. None of these seem to have worked.
Unfortunately, and through no fault of their own, FunPlus Phoenix will not be able to field a complete roster in Reykjavik.
Team Liquid, who placed 4th at the EMEA Challengers, will replace FunPlus Phoenix in Iceland. Team Liquid lost to G2 esports in the lower bracket and finished fourth in the first Challenger event of 2022.
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Riot plans to compensate FunPlus Phoenix for their Challengers performance
Despite winning the EMEA Challengers #1, FPX will not field a team at this years Reykjavik Masters. As this is due to no fault of their own, Riot plans to compensate them with VCT points and a share of the prize pool even though specifics are not yet public.
VCT Masters Reykjavik will take place from April 10-24 and feature 12 of the best teams from around the world in action.
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