Riot Games has taken a significant step to address the challenges faced by Valorant players from Pakistan in participating in the MENA Challenger Leagues.
On December 22nd, the gaming giant released a notification emphasizing its commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for these players in upcoming seasons.
A Push for Pakistani Players in MENA Challenger League
The notification, titled “Notification for Players from Pakistan on Participation in MENA Challenger League,” acknowledges the hurdles Pakistani players face and outlines a temporary solution. Riot Games encourages Pakistani players to participate as “imports” in the MENA [Middle East & North Africa] Challenger League or any other regional Challenger League, adhering to the Import Residency Rule.
Import Residency Rule Explained
Under the Import Residency Rule, a team in a regional Challenger League must include at least three players from that specific region. For instance, in the MENA Challenger League, a team should have a minimum of three players from the MENA region, while the remaining two slots can be filled by imports, such as players from Pakistan.
Visa Challenges for Pakistani Players
Earlier in 2023, Pakistani players expressed concerns about acquiring visas for India to participate in the Valorant Challengers League South Asia. Despite being eligible, logistical hurdles made it virtually impossible for them to attend LAN events in India. This led to calls for Riot Games to shift Pakistan’s region to MENA by default.
In response to the growing concerns, Riot Games India & South Asia Esports Lead Sukamal Pegu and Head of Valorant Esports for Asia Pacific Jake Sin had previously assured that a permanent solution was in the works. This latest notification and Pegu’s follow-up statement on Twitter confirm Riot Games’ dedication to resolving these issues.
Pegu tweeted, “VALORANT players in Pakistan. We have started the process towards the full resolution. Apologies for the delay and we hope to see our Pros on stages which do justice to the immense talent the region has!”
This development represents a significant step in ensuring fair and equal opportunities for esports athletes across regions. As Riot Games works towards a more streamlined and comprehensive solution for 2024 and beyond, the esports community eagerly anticipates a future where talent from all regions, including Pakistan, can compete on equal footing.
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