Team Vitality Withdraws From VCT EMEA LCQ To Honor Twisten's Memory

Team Vitality have decided to withdraw from the upcoming VCT EMEA LCQ event

The last chance qualifier of the EMEA region is set to start on July 15. Team Vitality, who failed to qualify for the Masters Tokyo, were scheduled to take part in the event for their last chance to qualify for the Valorant Champions 2023. However, following the untimely passing of their teammate, Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener earlier this month, Team Vitality has made the choice to withdraw from the tournament.

Team Vitality Twisten — Credit: Riot Games

In a message shared on their official Twitter account, Team Vitality expressed their deep appreciation for the Valorant community and the esports scene. However, they conveyed the overwhelming grief that has consumed both the players and the organization, rendering it impossible for them to continue playing for the rest of the season. With this decision, Team Vitality’s season for the year 2023 is over.

https://t.co/IoAyYHDi3z pic.twitter.com/06uDpLUB56

— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_emea) June 21, 2023

The unexpected yet comprehensible choice to withdraw from the tournament was met with understanding from the community, as the passing of the talented 19-year-old player was a sorrowful moment that resonated throughout the entire esports scene, extending beyond the realm of Valorant. The community has taken various initiatives to honor and remember Twisten's legacy. As an act of remembrance, moments of silence were observed during the ongoing VCT Masters Tokyo. Additionally, professional players, coaches, streamers, org owners, and others have pledged to donate funds to charitable causes for every Shorty kill to honor Twisten’s memory.