Riot Games has suspended Ardis "ardiis" Svarenieks from co-streaming all VCT competitions through August 19, 2026, following what it described as "the use of discriminatory and offensive language during a co-stream." The former professional and current NAVI-affiliated streamer lost his co-streaming rights effective immediately, and within hours his organisation, Natus Vincere, publicly cut ties with him.
What Happened
The incident occurred on July 21, while ardiis was co-streaming a VCT 2026: Game Changers EMEA Stage 3 match between GIANTX GC and Barça eSports GC, joined by former Fnatic player Leo "Leo" Jannesson. The context matters here, since Game Changers is Riot's circuit specifically for women and marginalised-gender players, created to build pathways into the main competitive scene. Comments the pair made during the broadcast were widely condemned by the Valorant community as transphobic, and clips circulated rapidly across social media, drawing backlash aimed not only at the two streamers but at Riot and NAVI for the situation.
In keeping with the responsible approach to a story like this, the specifics are best left to how the official statement framed them: Riot categorised the language as discriminatory and offensive conduct targeting protected characteristics. The remarks quickly generated enough community pressure that calls for disciplinary action mounted before Riot stepped in.
Riot's Ruling
Valorant Esports EMEA issued its statement on July 23. "Ardis 'Ardiis' Svarenieks violated Riot Games' Terms of Service through the use of discriminatory and offensive language during a co-stream," it read. "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 suspension bars ardiis from co-streaming any VCT competition through August 19, meaning he cannot officially broadcast or provide commentary on matches using the tournament feed during that window. Riot added a clear warning: "Any future violations may result in additional disciplinary action, up to and including permanent loss of rights to co-stream VCT."
Notably, the ruling applies to Riot's official co-stream guidelines, which hold open watch parties to the same conduct standards as the primary broadcast, closing any argument that a co-stream is somehow exempt from the rules governing the main feed.
NAVI's Swift Response
Natus Vincere moved almost immediately after Riot's announcement, issuing its own statement in full support of the decision. "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," the org wrote.
That's a significant professional blow. NAVI's suspension affects ardiis's status as a branded streamer, cutting off official support, promotions, and his contracted co-streaming role. Crucially, and unlike Riot's ruling, NAVI attached no end date to its suspension, leaving the future of the relationship genuinely uncertain rather than simply paused until the ban lifts.
What Comes Next
Because Riot issued a month-long suspension rather than a permanent ban, ardiis could technically return to co-streaming once the disciplinary period ends on August 19. Whether he actually does is a different question, hinging on two separate decisions: whether Riot re-authorises his co-stream rights, and whether NAVI chooses to resume cooperation or keep him at arm's length indefinitely. Some fans have already argued the month-long penalty doesn't go far enough given the nature of the comments.
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