Riot to install new desks at Champions Shanghai after technical issues

Riot Games will install new desks at VALORANT Champions Shanghai in an attempt to resolve the technical issues that have affected players throughout the tournament. The developer will also allow players to test wireless mice again, but will immediately return to wired peripherals if mouse stuttering persists.

The Global Head of VALORANT Esports, Leo Faria, shared the update on social media, acknowledging the disruption caused by the problems and thanking players for their patience. The issues have prompted complaints from several competitors since the beginning of the event, with Riot asking players to use wired mice to minimize interference. The situation drew further attention during FUT Esports' 2-0 defeat to 100 Thieves, when a malfunction affected a crucial round on Split.

According to Faria, the new tables were installed on the morning of Friday, October 2. Players will then have the option to use wireless mice again to confirm whether the issue has been resolved. If any stuttering remains, the tournament will immediately return to wired peripherals.

The executive also acknowledged the frustration caused by the incidents and said Riot's event, production, technical, operations, creative, and broadcast teams were working to resolve the situation.

The problems weren’t limited to FUT Esports' match against 100 Thieves. Multiple players, including Kim “Francis” Mu-bin and Nikita “trexx” Cherednichenko, had reported mouse-related issues earlier in the competition. Because of that, Riot subsequently asked players to use wired mice as a temporary measure to reduce the risk of further interference.

Faria previously explained that an investigation had identified specific metal components in the construction of the desks as the source of the mouse interference. Riot implemented a temporary fix and began rebuilding the desks entirely, with the goal of eliminating the issue. Despite an earlier update reporting a day without disruptions, technical concerns resurfaced.

The issue became particularly contentious during FUT Esports' series against 100 Thieves. In the second round of Split, after FUT had won the pistol round, 100 Thieves forced and planted the spike. As FUT prepared to retake the site, Doğan “xeus” Gözgen lost a duel after his Spectre failed to fire.

The round went in 100 Thieves' favor, sending FUT into an eco. The series also featured several technical pauses, and FUT eventually lost 2-0, missing the chance to secure an early place in the playoffs.

Following the match, Eray “yetujey” Budak expressed his frustration during the press conference and declined to take part in the discussion about the incident. Xeus later criticized the tournament's organization on social media, while teammate Okan “KROSTALY” Alaçam described additional problems involving audio, mice, frozen PCs, and brightness.