Riot Games has suspended Valorant streamer Ardis 'ardiis' Svarenieks from co-streaming all Valorant Champions Tour competitions through August 19, 2026.
The decision follows his use of discriminatory and offensive language during a VCT Game Changers broadcast.
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The incident occurred during a co-stream of the match between GIANTX GC and Barca eSports GC.
Svarenieks and former Fnatic player Leo 'Leo' Jannesson made remarks that included terms linked to transphobic slurs.
Community members widely criticized the statements on social media, calling for action from Riot Games and esports organization Natus Vincere.
Riot Games Statement
Riot Games issued an official statement outlining the suspension terms.
The company stated that Svarenieks violated its Terms of Service through discriminatory and offensive language during a co-stream.
"Riot Games does not tolerate discriminatory conduct or language of any kind, including conduct targeting an individual’s race, ethnicity, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, nationality, or any other protected characteristic," the statement read.
The suspension is effective immediately through August 19, 2026.
Any future violations may result in additional disciplinary action, up to and including permanent loss of co-streaming rights.
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NAVI Halts Partnership
Following Riot Games' decision, Natus Vincere, the organization with which Svarenieks was affiliated as a content creator, announced an immediate halt to their partnership.
"We respect and fully support Riot Games’ decision.
There is a line that should never be crossed, and discriminatory conduct or language of any kind should never be tolerated.
Effective immediately, NAVI is suspending its cooperation with Ardiis," Natus Vincere stated.
Apology from Ardiis
Prior to the ruling, Svarenieks addressed the controversy on social media. After initially defending his remarks, he issued an apology.
"The comments I made on stream about the transgender community were unacceptable. Even for me it was too much.
I’m so sorry to everyone I offended; it won’t happen again," Svarenieks posted.
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The co-streaming ban remains in effect through August 19, 2026, ending just before the start of the VCT EMEA Stage 2 Playoffs on August 20.
