Zero Tenacity leaves VALORANT scene as Tier-2 crisis deepens

Amidst rising concerns over the sustainability of Tier-2 VALORANT, Zero Tenacity has officially pulled the plug on their participation in the scene. The organization announced that they will not continue with their VALORANT project heading into VALORANT Challengers 2025 NORTH//EAST: Stage 3, disbanding a roster that had only just come together this season.

The team comprised of Alex "alexiiik" Hawlasek, Tilen "Grmekista" Grmek, Miłosz "msh" Szubański, Ivan "Prti" Erak, Artur "pyrolll" Minin, anf, Patryk "TajReX" Hojoł, and bowek - all of whom now find themselves without an organization.

Zero Tenacity had previously exited VALORANT in late 2024 but returned in early 2025 after a change in tournament organizers offered a glimmer of hope. Promises of LAN events, media days, and a more stable environment convinced them to commit to a two-stage project. Despite relative team success, the organization found that these promises did not materialize into a viable product.

“You simply cannot make any return on the investment into the game. At this stage, we see no benefit in investing into the Tier 2 VALORANT scene.”

A Symptom of a Larger Problem

Zero Tenacity’s exit underscores the ongoing collapse of VALORANT’s Tier-2 scene, plagued by financial instability and flawed structure. As Josh “Sideshow” Wilkinson highlighted, sustaining 855 players globally with just a $50,000 salary would cost $43 million annually, an unsustainable figure without adequate returns. Organizations continue to operate at a loss due to low viewership and limited sponsorships.

Riot Games has faced mounting criticism, with Tyson "TenZ" Ngo accusing them of “killing” Tier-2 by introducing franchising without supporting Challengers teams. With smaller audiences and fewer sponsorship opportunities compared to Tier-1, Challengers rosters are often more of a liability than an asset. In an already struggling esports market, that risk has become untenable.

Match-Fixing: A Dark Byproduct of Neglect

What’s worse, the lack of support has opened the door to even darker developments. Allegations of match-fixing have gripped the Tier-2 scene in recent weeks following an exposé by former pro and Shopify Rebellion Black general manager Sean "seangares" Gares. According to his findings, individuals like “Bray” have allegedly approached players with offers to throw matches in exchange for massive payouts derived from betting. Gares presented conversations and footage pointing to suspicious gameplay and direct evidence of attempted manipulation.

While not all players accepted these offers, the fact that such interactions are even happening is indicative of a deeply flawed system. With minimal organizational backing and no clear path to Tier-1, some players are tempted by unethical shortcuts just to survive. Gares and TenZ both highlighted how financial desperation, fueled by a lack of stability and opportunity, creates the ideal conditions for corruption.

Where Does the Scene Go From Here?

The Tier-2 VALORANT scene is nearing collapse. With organizations like Zero Tenacity and M80 pulling out and match-fixing scandals surfacing, urgent intervention from Riot Games is needed. The community is calling for structural reform, increased financial support, and a clearer path to VCT promotion.

Tier-2 isn't just a stepping stone; it’s the foundation of VALORANT’s competitive future. But without immediate changes, that future is in jeopardy. Zero Tenacity’s departure highlights a system strained by unsustainable costs and growing ethical concerns. To preserve both opportunity and integrity, Riot must take decisive action before the scene deteriorates beyond repair.

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Featured Image Source: Zero Tenacity