The top four of VALORANT Masters Santiago has been set, with BBL Esports and All Gamers eliminated from the event.
In the latest matches of the VALORANT Masters Santiago, both BBL Esports and All Gamers (AG) were eliminated, ending their regions’ representation. BBL sparked major online discussion, as their confidence and trash talk on stage and at press conferences drew criticism from the public.
Arrogance or confidence? BBL sparks debate at Masters Santiago
BBL Esports has been a very hot topic during the VCT Masters Santiago due to their takes on other teams. In particular, Umut “lovers rock” Pekdoğan and Yusuf “Lar0k” Kanber were labeled as “trash talkers,” as they frequently made bold remarks during press conferences, claiming they were the best and even “better than NA.”
Many people have been describing them as “arrogant kids,” who know nothing about the game and claiming the BBL players “are trying to be the villains.” Others commented about how they lost interest in the team after their comments and that they deserve to lose. However, BBL lovers rock does not seem too worried about the online haters.
“Maybe I’m arrogant. I don’t care. They [NRG] were good, not bad, but they were very readable. The haters have been there forever,” lovers rock said after losing against NRG. This comment was not well-received by some fans, especially after the team was defeated by the Champions 2025 winners. “I respect the confidence, but they need to achieve something before yapping things like this,” a user commented. Many others didn’t hold back in criticizing the team.
Lauren “Pansy” Scott was one of the people to vouch for the team, as they are only “some kids having fun and putting on a show for you at home.” The caster also added that many players are way worse backstage, and fans don’t even know about it. “God forbid we get a team willing to give us some entertainment. I’d take a team with personality over PR statements any day,” she added on her X post.
G2 Jacob “valyn” Batio took the opportunity to commend BBL, calling all the “kids phenomenal” and expressing “the most respect for how confident they are on stage.” His teammate, Andrej “babybay” Francisty, also commented at the post-match press conference, saying he was happy that BBL is a team that is both confident and arrogant, and that he hopes they don’t lose that identity, as the scenario needs teams like them.
BBL comments on the hate train
After the 2-0 loss against G2 Esports, BBL lovers rock commented on the hate train online. “There are people who are happy that we got eliminated, and there always will be, whether we make controversial statements or not,” the Turkish player said on the post-match press conference. BBL ended in 5th-6th place in the tournament, taking home a $50,000 prize pool.
Later, the player came on X to thank everyone for their endless support during their journey in the tournament. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone. I love my brothers and elders very much, and rest assured, we will recover,” he wrote on X.
All Gamers failed to keep the Chinese run
All Gamers were China’s last hope in the tournament, as the other two contestants had been eliminated. The team had an incredible start in the event, taking down Gentle Mates against all odds. That momentum continued as they entered the series against Paper Rex, but the final map left no room for a comeback. Paper Rex was already too hyped to be defeated, keeping their lower bracket run alive.
VALORANT Masters Santiago is now down to just four teams: NRG, G2 Esports, NS RedForce, and Paper Rex. Only one will take home the trophy. Will it go to North America or the Pacific region?