Riot Games has issued a 12-month ban to North American VALORANT player Canezerra, and ENVY has immediately parted ways with him following the announcement.
The ban is reportedly a hardware-level restriction, meaning it’s tied to his PC’s unique identifier rather than just his account. This type of penalty prevents him from accessing VALORANT and other Riot titles entirely, even if he creates new accounts.
According to the ban’s terms, Canezerra cannot play, compete in official events, stream, or participate in any promotional activity involving Riot titles for the full year. Hardware bans are usually reserved for cheaters or serious repeat offenders, making this an unusually harsh penalty that extends beyond standard competitive restrictions.
Canezerra was widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in North American VALORANT. The 17-year-old was expected to move up to ENVY’s main roster once he turned 18 and became eligible for tier-one competition. That path is now on hold for at least a year.
While Riot Games has not publicly detailed the specific conduct that triggered the ban, the severity of the punishment suggests a serious behavioral violation. Canezerra issued a statement acknowledging the ban, though he did not specify what actions led to the penalty.
What this means for his career
A full year away from competitive play is a significant setback for any player, but especially for someone on the verge of breaking into the professional scene. The ban effectively freezes his development during what would have been a critical period.
ENVY’s decision to release him signals the organization has no plans to wait out the suspension. The team will need to adjust its roster plans and look elsewhere to fill the role Canezerra was expected to occupy.
