ex-VALORANT Pro ShahZaM faces disturbing harassment over ranked games

Shahzeb "ShahZaM" Khan, a former Sentinels player and VCT 2021 - Stage 2 - Masters Reykjavík champion, recently took to social media platform X to share shocking images of harassment he's received while streaming ranked matches. In his post, ShahZaM sarcastically quipped, "Streaming Valorant ranked is really awesome right now!" But the screenshots told a much darker story.

One message read: "Hey there ShaZam. If you do not start throwing this game, I will open loans in your name. Your Social Is..."

Another, far more threatening message stated: "If you do not listen to me and stop talking in your stream, there will be 4 men with AR-15's at your door. We are outside watching you SHAHZEEB."

These disturbing threats reflect a grim reality many high-profile streamers face: malicious actors using intimidation tactics for personal gain.

The Link to Betting Sites

In a follow-up post, ShahZaM shed light on the root of the issue - betting on ranked games. “On a more serious note we've been dealing with our ranked games on betting websites for a couple years now,” he wrote. “People buy accounts and get into our games to throw for these bets.”

According to ShahZaM, despite alerting Riot Games about the issue multiple times, little has been done to curb it. He recognized his ranked match was listed on one of these platforms and spoke up during his stream, only to be immediately bombarded with the threats.

A Systemic Problem

This incident isn’t just an isolated attack on a single player, it’s a symptom of a broader problem. The rise of third-party betting sites that cover even informal ranked matches has created new incentives for manipulation. Streamers and pros become targets, their games turned into battlegrounds for profit-driven sabotage.

While it's easy to get passionate or frustrated in competitive environments, abusing online anonymity to harass and threaten others crosses the line. Not just morally, but legally. Everyone deserves to feel safe doing what they love, especially in their own homes and on their own streams.

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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games