Riot Forced to Rebuild Desks After Technical Issues at Champions Shanghai 2026

Riot Games has identified the cause of the mouse and input issues reported on stage at VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026: metal components in the desk structures were causing interference. The company implemented a temporary fix and began rebuilding the desks.

In a statement, the official VALORANT Esports account said there were no further disruptions during pre-match tech checks or matches after the fix was implemented. Riot also said it would continue monitoring the situation throughout the tournament.

Riot Is Rebuilding the Event Desks

The update follows a series of issues reported by players during the tournament's opening days. Competitors reported PC performance stutters and wireless mouse malfunctions, which led to broadcast delays and tech pauses.

Leo Faria, global head of VALORANT Esports, added that the investigation traced the interference to specific metal components in the desks. He said the current fix is temporary and that the desks are being rebuilt entirely. Faria reported no further issues on Day 3 and said he hoped they would not return.

The executive said technical issues are part of gaming and esports, but repeated failures that have already been identified are unacceptable.

VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 Group Stage

The tournament is still in the group stage, with the opening round nearly complete. G2 Esports, Paper Rex, NRG, Karmine Corp, Team Vitality, LOUD, and 100 Thieves have all won their opening series. JD Gaming and FUT Esports are playing the final opening match, while the next round of winners' matches begins on September 29.

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Featured Image Credit: Riot Games

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