The competitive Valorant scene is under fire after serious allegations of cheating, match-fixing, and crypto gambling surfaced through a video involving Sean Gares, a respected figure in both the CS and Valorant communities. While the full scope of the scandal is yet to unfold, this early reveal has already sent shockwaves across the esports industry—especially the Valorant Challengers League. Here’s a complete breakdown of what we know so far and why this might be one of the biggest scandals in Valorant’s history.
Who Is Sean Gares and Why His Words Matter
Sean Gares is a former professional CS:GO player turned coach, and currently the General Manager of Shopify Rebellion’s Valorant team. He’s been a cornerstone of team-building efforts and is well-respected for his integrity within the scene.
In his video, Gares didn’t directly name suspects but heavily hinted at having substantial evidence of cheating within Tier 2 Valorant. His credibility adds weight to the claims, and the fact that he’s actively involved in building teams for Challengers makes this even more alarming.
What the Video Alleged
The key points from Sean Gares’ statements include:
- Match-Fixing & Cheating in Challengers: Gares suggests there’s widespread manipulation happening in the Tier 2 scene. Players and potentially entire teams are allegedly involved in throwing matches.
- Crypto Gambling Ties: The matches in question are believed to be linked to underground crypto betting rings. According to Gares, players may be getting paid by bettors to lose matches intentionally and then receiving a portion of the winnings.
- Evidence Incoming: Sean claims he has receipts—hard evidence of cheating—that will be made public in a follow-up video. He has given players the chance to come forward and prove their innocence before the full reveal.
- Potential Fallout: He strongly warns that anyone proven guilty will be blacklisted from professional esports for life. The magnitude of the evidence could be so damaging that it may shake or even dismantle the current structure of the Valorant Challengers league.
Though no names have officially been dropped, speculation is running wild on platforms like Twitter and Twitch. Gares explicitly asked the community to avoid baseless accusations until the full evidence is released.
It’s a tense moment. Many players and coaches in the scene are on edge, waiting to see whether names they know will be implicated. There’s concern that even innocent parties could suffer from the rumor storm created in the wake of the initial video.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Valorant Esports
What sets this scandal apart from others in esports is how deep it may go within a system officially sanctioned by Riot Games. The Valorant Challengers League is not just another tournament—it serves as a stepping stone to Tier 1 status.
If the integrity of Challengers is compromised, then the entire competitive pipeline of Valorant could be called into question. Riot’s enforcement, structure, and player vetting systems will come under heavy scrutiny.
What Comes Next?
Sean Gares mentioned that a more detailed update with names and evidence is coming next week. Until then, all eyes are on him, Riot Games, and the players under suspicion. This also opens the door for Riot to take decisive action. Depending on what’s revealed, we could see:
- Immediate suspensions or bans
- Reform in tournament structure
- Tighter oversight on betting and match data
- Potential collapse or rebranding of the Challengers league
The Valorant cheating scandal might just be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to problems in Tier 2 esports. With gambling money involved and the future of competitive structures at stake, this could become one of the most impactful investigations in the history of Valorant.
As we wait for Sean Gares to release the full details, it’s important to avoid unfounded accusations and let the facts speak for themselves. Whether you’re a fan, a player, or just someone who cares about the future of fair competition, this story is one to watch closely. We’ll update this article as soon as more information comes to light.