DSG Exits Valorant Challengers SEA

DSG Leaves Valorant Challengers SEA Due to Streaming Restrictions

Disguised, a prominent organization in the esports scene, has announced their departure from Valorant Challengers SEA. Along with this decision, they have released their roster, citing challenges stemming from Riot Games’ exclusivity deal with the streaming platform SOOP. This partnership, which restricts games from being streamed on other platforms, significantly impacts DSG’s content-driven strategy, leading to their withdrawal just two days before their Split 1 campaign.

Riot's SOOP Deal: A Game-Changer The exclusivity clause introduced in Riot’s partnership with SOOP prevents co-streaming on alternative platforms, a restriction that directly clashes with DSG’s content-creation model. DisguisedToast, the owner of DSG, explained that the organization could not sustain the team for the 2025 season due to these limitations. The agreement, implemented during Split 3 of 2024, extends through the current season and is a key factor boosting DSG’s decision.

Toast shared that the team initially planned to retain their MY/SG roster following an impressive performance in 2024. This included securing victories in high-profile events such as Predator League Singapore and OneGame Showdown. However, Riot’s deal made it impractical to continue, especially since the team would have been unable to stream their games for nearly a year unless they qualified for Ascension.

Achievements and Legacy of DSG

DSG’s journey in the APAC region began in early 2024, and they quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their triumph in Split 2 and qualification for VCT Ascension Pacific showcased their potential. Finishing 5-6th at the Ascension Pacific event after a strong run highlighted their competitive edge, even in a tough field that included eventual finalists BOOM Esports.

In Split 3, DSG dominated the competition, defeating Made in Thailand in the finals of Valorant Challengers SEA. Ironically, both finalists from this pivotal tournament have now exited the scene, citing similar challenges related to Riot’s exclusivity agreements.

Despite their departure, DSG’s presence in the SEA region left a lasting impression. Toast expressed gratitude for the players’ hard work and fan support, emphasizing the bright future that lies ahead for the team members.

What’s Next for DSG's Roster? Although DSG has released their roster, the players are determined to stay together. Team captain Tidus “STYRON” Goh confirmed that the squad will compete in Valorant Challengers SEA Split 1 while searching for a new organization. This decision reflects the group’s resilience and shared commitment to excellence.

The roster recently underwent changes, with the addition of Ngô “crazyguy” Công Anh, formerly of Bleed Esports, and John “JA” Arone, who replaced Derrick “Deryeon” Yee after his transfer to Global Esports. With these new additions, the team is poised to continue their competitive journey.

The current roster includes:

• Tidus “STYRON” Goh
• Rodman “Vera” Yap
• Wayne “wayne” Chang
• Ngô “crazyguy” Công Anh
• John “JA” Arone

Broader Implications for Valorant Esports

The challenges faced by DSG and other organizations like Made in Thailand highlight the complexities of operating in the evolving esports ecosystem. Riot’s exclusivity deals, while beneficial for centralized streaming platforms, pose significant obstacles for content-driven organizations, limiting their ability to engage fans and monetize their efforts.

This situation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of similar partnerships and their impact on teams aiming to boost their ranks in competitive esports. For players and fans, the hope remains that these changes will ultimately foster a more balanced ecosystem, ensuring opportunities for growth and competition.

DSG’s withdrawal from Valorant Challengers SEA underscores the evolving dynamics of esports and the challenges faced by organizations adapting to new industry standards. While their exit marks the end of an era, it also paves the way for their talented roster to seek new opportunities. As the competitive Valorant scene evolves, the focus will remain on how teams navigate these challenges while striving to boost their ranks and engage with fans.

 

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