Valorant's competitive scene has experienced several major controversies since its launch. These incidents have significantly impacted the game's esports landscape and community.

The Sinatraa Investigation Professional player Jay "Sinatraa" Won faced serious allegations of sexual assault in 2021, leading to his suspension from competitive play. Riot Games conducted a nine-month investigation, ultimately suspending him for six months due to non-cooperation. This case highlighted the need for better conduct policies in esports.

The Sentinels Social Media Incident Sentinels' controversial social media approach in 2021 divided the community. Their provocative posts, particularly during matches against TSM, sparked debates about professionalism in esports marketing. While some praised their engagement strategy, others criticized it as unprofessional.

Match-Fixing Scandals Several match-fixing incidents emerged in early 2021, primarily in North American tournaments. Seven players received permanent bans from Riot Games, demonstrating the developer's zero-tolerance policy toward competitive integrity violations.

The Guard's Controversial Roster Changes The Guard's unexpected release of their entire roster in 2022 shocked the Valorant community. This decision, coming after the team's strong performance, raised questions about player job security and organizational responsibility in esports.

The VCT Game Changers Drama The 2022 VCT Game Changers program faced controversy when questions arose about participant eligibility verification processes. This incident led to improved verification systems and highlighted the importance of clear competitive guidelines in inclusive esports initiatives.

These controversies have led to significant policy changes in professional Valorant, including stricter conduct guidelines, improved verification processes, and enhanced competitive integrity measures. Each incident has contributed to the evolution of Valorant's esports ecosystem.

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