Riot Games confirms headset violations at VCT Pacific, updates rules

Changes are coming to VCT Pacific following a Riot Games investigation. The VALORANT community initially raised concerns after players were spotted wearing their headsets incorrectly on stage, potentially exploiting arena audio for an in-game advantage.

Riot has now reviewed the allegations and found instances where players used their headsets in an improper way. As a result, updates are being made to the stage processes and protocols to prevent similar situations in Stage 1.

Improper Headset Use on Stage

While competing on stage, players are required to wear their headsets fully covering both ears at all times. This ensures they cannot clearly hear on-site casters, the crowd, or use live commentary to gain an advantage.

This standard was not consistently upheld during the VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Pacific Kickoff. Some players were seen wearing their headsets improperly, potentially allowing them to pick up venue audio. No other regions reported similar issues, and Riot launched an investigation into whether players exploited the situation at the Pacific Kickoff.

Two instances found

As part of the investigation, Riot reviewed gameplay footage and facecam recordings from all teams during Kickoff. Two instances of improper headset use at the event were confirmed:

• 23 January, Gen.G Esports vs. DetonatioN FocusMe (Map 2) – GEN Lakia
• 5 February, Team Secret vs. ZETA DIVISION (Map 2, 3) – TS Sylvan

However, after reviewing the footage and voice comms from these matches, Riot found no evidence that the misuse was intentional or that either player gained information from in-venue casting. Both players lost their matches, further suggesting no competitive advantage was obtained.

Since this is the first recorded occurrence of the issue on stage, and the first offense for both players, they have been issued a written notice and been informed that repeated violations may result in more severe disciplinary action.

Changes to protocol

To prevent future incidents, Riot has strengthened its monitoring systems during matches. This includes enhanced player POV oversight and updates to referee checklist procedures.

All participating teams have also received a formal notice reminding players that headsets must fully cover their ears at all times. Players must also obtain referee approval before removing their headsets on stage or risk penalties.

Venue audio volume

Riot is also implementing updates to venue audio checks starting in Stage 1.

At every event, audio levels are tested to ensure players cannot hear casters during matches. Players use dual-headset setups designed to block external sound. The in-ear monitors (IEMs) broadcast the team comms and in-game audio, while the headset over the IEMs plays white movie to block out external audio. Some noise, like loud cheering, is expected to come through, Riot wants to make sure that the players won't be distracted by the venue audio going forward.

Moving forward, there will be more extensive rehearsal-based audio testing, with the audio equipment setups stress-tested at higher volumes than the Riot standard. Riot also wants to make sure that their operational teams can adjust the in-venue levels quickly if players report issues on stage.

In the hands of the players

While Riot is tightening its protocols, maintaining competitive integrity ultimately falls on the players. Any form of cheating at the professional level is unacceptable, and players are expected to uphold the highest standards of fair play on stage.

In their announcement, Riot thanked the community for bringing this to light, making sure the competitive integrity is upheld on the VCT stage.

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Featured image source: Riot Games.