“Shooting Bodies and Teabagging is Fine,” VALORANT Head of Esports Confirms

Toxicity is nothing new in FPS games, and VALORANT is no exception. Sometimes, it extends to the highest tiers of esports. There have been several times in VCT history where players teabagged opponents, used silly sprays, or shot bodies on the battlefield.

For several years, it’s been controversial whether or not this behavior is actually allowed in pro circles. Riot has stepped in more than once, adding some confusion to the debate. For example, competitive authorities warned Paper Rex during a VCT Champions semifinal after players teabagged and sprayed bullets on fallen opponents. Some tournament organizers continue to treat this kind of bad manners as unwanted on broadcast, while others (and many players and fans) view it as part of the game’s competitive banter.

After an updated VALORANT Champions Shanghai rulebook appeared to ban BM behaviors, esports fans were more confused about the guidelines than ever before. However, new comments from VCT officials appear to confirm “shooting bodies and teabagging is fine.” Here’s a recap.

Is Teabagging Allowed in VALORANT Champions Shanghai?

As VALORANT Champions Shanghai 2026 draws near, fans noticed a leaked rule change clarifying BM behaviors. The official Champions Shanghai rulebook states:

“For the duration of the VCT Champions Shanghai, the following in-game actions are prohibited: shooting dead bodies […] and teabagging or other inappropriate in-game conduct.”

TBAG IS FORBIDDEN ON CHAMPIONS SHANGHAI 😭

The following in-game actions are prohibited:

● Shooting dead bodies / player pucks; and
● Teabagging and/or other inappropriate in-game conduct.

Any breach of this policy will be subject to Disciplinary Action. pic.twitter.com/EN2C2fPEbD

— valohabercisi (@valohabercisi) September 16, 2026

The guidelines also specify that players who disobey these rules will face punishment from competitive authorities.

VALORANT Esports Head Confirms: “Shooting Bodies and Teabagging is Fine”

Though not without precedent, these rules were different from previous Champions events. Players were curious whether the move would carry into future tournaments, becoming permanent.

On September 18, however, VALORANT’s Head of Global Esports and VCT Commissioner Leo Faria offered a response. “Shooting bodies and teabagging is fine,” he said.

Faria called the Champions Shanghai rule changes “a one-time [thing] due to cultural sensitivities.” The guidelines mean gameplay will remain respectful to the local audience and VALORANT’s China region.

“We’re Not Going to Oversanitize the Sport and Suck the Fun Out of It”

This is a one time change due to cultural sensitivities. We’re not going to oversanitize the sport and suck the fun out of it. Shooting bodies and teabagging is fine. Spice is good. That said, do it at your own peril. https://t.co/DJTF4ITlQV

— Leo Faria (@lhfaria) September 17, 2026

Faria also reiterated that “spice is good” and the team has no intentions to make VCT behavior rules regarding banter stricter. “We’re not going to oversanitize the sport and suck the fun out of it.”

That said, he warns players that their trash talk is “at your own peril.” If they go too far, there’s still a chance they will face punishment from their own teams or VCT authorities.

Stay tuned for more VALORANT coverage. We regularly follow new VALORANT skins, VALORANT leaks, and esports happenings.