After weeks of ongoing technical issues at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Riot Games has officially announced major infrastructural upgrades to stabilize the VCT EMEA Stage 1 broadcast and competitive environment. Along with replacing the on-stage PCs, Riot has also rolled out a detailed testing plan and confirmed compensation for impacted fans.
Here’s everything that’s happening, straight from the latest official updates.
Image credit: Riot Games
Official Statement: VCT EMEA Postponement and Apology
Due to “significant and ongoing technical issues,” Riot made the difficult decision to postpone matches, revise the schedule, and offer full refunds to in-person attendees for April 24’s disrupted matches.
“We sincerely apologize for the disruption caused to our fans and players.”
” VCT EMEA Team
Image: Riot’s Official Statement
Immediate Action Plan
Riot outlined a detailed action plan to bring VCT EMEA back on track:
| Action | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Updated PCs | In transit | Two shipments (one from the USA, one from Europe) with new PCs are arriving to replace all stage machines. |
| Internal Rioter Playtest | Scheduled April 29 | Full scrim-length sessions to validate the new hardware under match conditions. |
| Pro Player Playtest | Scheduled April 30 | Select VCT pros will stress-test the setup during a dark day scrim. |
| Game Server and PC Interaction Audit | April 2830 | Riot will analyze both online and offline server logs to ensure proper connectivity and spot abnormalities. |
Timeline for Match Resumption
- Offline matches are targeted to resume later this week if testing goes well.
- Live audience attendance will return starting May 8th, just in time for the VCT EMEA Playoffs.
Riot was fortunate this disruption happened during a break period, giving them a chance to fix issues without interfering with playoff matches.
Compensation for Affected Fans (April 24)
Fans who traveled more than 200 kilometers to attend the disrupted matches will receive:
- Ticket to the VCT Champions Grand Finals
- Two Tickets to VCT EMEA matches
- €300 Riot Games merch voucher
- Exclusive Riot Gun Buddy
Fans were instructed to check their emails for further redemption details.
“This is a serious and generous make-good effort from Riot,” many in the community have noted, praising the quick and considerate response.
Riot’s Commitment Going Forward
Riot Games emphasized that it is fully their responsibility to fix the technical situation:
“It’s on us to take action and deliver successful results. With updated PCs and a deep look at our infrastructure, we will get the competition back on track.”
Players like Durka (Fnatic) and others have been particularly vocal about the tech problems, and Riot’s quick public acknowledgment is a strong sign that they are listening to community feedback seriously.
Conclusion
While there are still technical tests to pass, Riot’s infrastructure upgrades and compensation plan mark a major step in restoring confidence in VCT EMEA. If successful, Stage 1 will be back with full crowd energy for the playoffs.
Fans and players alike are eager to see the action resume under much more stable conditions.
For live updates on VCT EMEA standings, match recaps, and tournament news
Stay tuned to AllValorant.gg
Sources:
Frequently Asked Questions about VCT EMEA Tech Recovery
Why were VCT EMEA matches postponed?
Significant and ongoing technical issues at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin caused major disruptions, leading to the postponement.
What is Riot doing to fix the tech issues?
Riot is replacing all stage PCs, running internal and pro player playtests, and auditing server connections to ensure future stability.
When will VCT EMEA matches resume?
If testing is successful, matches are expected to resume offline later this week.
What compensation did affected fans receive?
Fans who traveled 200km+ will receive a ticket to VCT Champions Grand Finals, two VCT EMEA match tickets, €300 merch voucher, and a Riot Gun Buddy.
When will live audiences return for VCT EMEA?
Live audience attendance is scheduled to resume on May 8 for the playoff stage.
