Riot Mandates Wired Mice at Valorant Champions Shanghai After Desk Issues
Riot Games has told players at Valorant Champions Shanghai to use wired mice while it replaces custom metal competition desks that caused repeated interference and technical pauses. The tournament is in its second week, and Riot said the disruptions fell short of its standards. During a FUT Esports vs 100 Thieves match, a rollback error left Yusuf “xeus” Doğan Gözgen unable to fire in a 2v1, and Riot later determined the round should have been replayed.
Riot instructed competitors at Valorant Champions Shanghai to switch to wired mice while it swaps out custom metal desks for ones made from another material. The event is in week two, and Riot said the repeated interruptions failed its standards; many players had already made the change.
During FUT Esports versus 100 Thieves, Yusuf “xeus” Doğan Gözgen couldn't shoot in a 2v1 on Split's second round. Riot later said that round should have been replayed but let the result stand; 100 Thieves won 2-0 and reached playoffs, while FUT dropped to the lower bracket.
This may affect pro players, teams, and fans by making competitive outcomes feel less secure when hardware faults influence rounds. Players could face performance adjustments from peripheral changes, while organizers may face greater pressure to ensure fair conditions and transparent rulings. For viewers and sponsors, such incidents could shape trust in event reliability and the credibility of results, though Riot's response may also demonstrate how leagues adapt under scrutiny.