LOUD fans threaten to kill Sentinels player
In the grand finale of VCT Americas Kickoff, Sentinels emerged victorious against LOUD, solidifying their position as a dominant force in Valorant. However, the celebration was marred by a disturbing turn of events. Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro, a standout player from the Sentinels team, became the target of reprehensible acts as fans unleashed a barrage of death threats against him. This incident sheds light on the contentious relationship between the Sentinels and their Brazilian fanbase. Back in 2021, the organization faced severe backlash when one of their players labeled Brazil as a “shitty region” on social media, sparking outrage and fueling animosity. The incident tarnished the team’s reputation and strained their bond with Brazilian supporters.
Despite the rocky history, the Sentinels took significant steps towards reconciliation in 2023. They made a strategic move by signing two Brazilian fan favorites, Brian “pANcada” Luna and Gustavo “Sacy” Rossi, to their roster. This decision aimed to bridge the divide and rebuild trust among the Brazilian fanbase. While the signings helped mitigate the conflict to some extent, the recent wave of death threats against Zellsis showcases the lingering tensions and the toxicity that persists within certain segments of the fan community. Such behavior not only undermines the spirit of healthy competition but also raises serious concerns about the well-being and safety of professional players. It is imperative for esports organizations, fans, and the larger community to address these issues collectively. Promoting respect, sportsmanship, and empathy should be at the core of any fandom, ensuring that the esports ecosystem thrives with positivity and inclusivity. Only through a united effort can we create an environment where players can focus on their craft without fearing for their lives.
Zellsis claims Brazilian fans threatened to kill him
After pANcada replaced Zellsis on the bench, the team faced renewed criticism from local fans. However, it didn’t take long for the Sentinels to regain their winning form in the offseason and claim the VCT Americas Kickoff crown. Following the team’s victory over LOUD, Brazil’s most beloved esports organization, the spotlight once again fell on Sentinels and Zellsis. In a live broadcast after the tournament win, Zellsis revealed that he had received multiple threats from Brazilian fans after mocking LOUD during the grand finals. “You know what shocked me? After the map, I went to my Instagram and opened my private messages. Man, it’s complete bullshit. I definitely don’t feel safe in Brazil right now, let’s just say… The number of messages I received was like someone was going to kill me or my family. Complete bullshit,” he said. This incident sheds light on the darker side of fan culture and the toxicity that can arise within esports communities. While passionate fandom is an integral part of any competitive sport, it is crucial to draw the line at threats and harassment. Professional players, like Zellsis, dedicate their lives to their craft and deserve to compete in a safe and supportive environment. It’s important to recognize that this is not an isolated incident. Zellsis has faced backlash from the community before, particularly after Sentinels’ loss to LOUD in the first game of the VCT Americas tournament. In the aftermath of that defeat, he had to navigate through a storm of toxic comments and messages. The toll this takes on players’ mental health should not be underestimated.
In response to the recent threats, Zellsis took to his social media accounts to address the fans directly. He expressed his appreciation for the love and support he has received from Brazilian fans in the past, emphasizing that his intentions are never to spread hatred. “I know what I said before, and I received a lot of hate from Brazilian fans for it, but I also received 100 times more love from them. I don’t hate anyone, and all I’m doing is competing and creating good memories for myself, my team, my organization, and the fans,” said Zellsis. It is crucial for esports organizations, tournament organizers, and fan communities to come together to combat toxicity and create a safer environment for players. This includes implementing stronger measures to identify and address threats, providing support systems for players who face online harassment, and fostering a culture of respect and sportsmanship within the community. The responsibility also lies with the fans themselves. While passion and rivalry are natural, it’s essential to remember that behind every player is a human being with emotions and vulnerabilities. Criticism should be constructive, and disagreements should be expressed respectfully. Esports has the potential to bring people together, transcend borders, and create moments of joy and excitement. Let’s strive to make it a positive and inclusive space where players can thrive and fans can enjoy the competition without fear or hostility.
