Riot immortalizes deceased Valorant pro with a title

Riot Games has created a poignant in-game memorial for professional Valorant competitor Gizem “Luie” Harmankaya, who tragically lost her life during the catastrophic 2023 Turkey seismic disaster.

Valorant’s Episode 6 Act 3 battle pass launched on April 25, 2023, introducing substantial fresh content alongside meaningful commemorations. Among the new additions, a distinctive player title honoring the late esports athlete has captured community attention. The “Gizem” designation represents Riot’s method of preserving the memory of a respected Game Changers professional, with players actively pursuing battle pass progression to secure this commemorative item.

Valorant’s development team maintains a consistent practice of integrating significant thematic elements within battle pass offerings. The current season focuses specifically on memorializing Gizem’s contributions. The game’s worldwide community lead disseminated an in-game visual via social media platform Twitter.

“An exceptionally meaningful homage commemorating Gizem “Luie” Harmankaya within the latest battle pass collection,” communicated Jo-Ellen Aragon.

Gizem established herself as a dedicated competitor within Valorant’s Game Changers circuit, representing one of numerous victims claimed by the devastating 7.8 magnitude seismic event that impacted Turkey in 2023. Following three days of entrapment beneath collapsed structures, rescue teams were unable to save her, with official confirmation of her passing occurring on February 6 that same year. Close associates suggested that institutional inefficiencies and delayed emergency response protocols potentially hindered timely extraction operations.

The professional player possessed substantial competitive experience within Valorant’s ecosystem. Her career included representation under multiple organizational banners, such as Galakticos Sirens and Vivace Vista, among other competitive squads. Her untimely departure profoundly affected the global Valorant community, triggering widespread mourning throughout the competitive scene. Supporters can now commemorate the professional player through gameplay by advancing through the complimentary battle pass progression system until achieving tier 5 status.

The 2023 Turkey earthquake represents one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history, with the 7.8 magnitude tremor causing widespread destruction across multiple regions. The disaster’s impact extended deeply into the gaming community, highlighting how global events affect esports ecosystems. Professional players often form tight-knit communities that extend beyond digital interactions, creating genuine personal connections that make such losses particularly impactful.

Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the scale of destruction, with many international teams providing assistance. The gaming community responded with fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns, demonstrating the solidarity within competitive gaming circles when facing real-world tragedies.

This memorialization effort continues Riot’s established pattern of honoring departed community members through permanent in-game acknowledgments. Previously, the development studio introduced Corbin’s Light Gun Buddy as a tribute to a player who succumbed to cancer, alongside the Revive Me Jett Spray commemorating an iconic community-generated meme originated by a player who passed away at 21 years old.

These commemorative items typically become highly sought-after collectibles within the Valorant ecosystem, representing both memorial significance and historical value for dedicated players. The consistent approach to honoring community members demonstrates Riot’s commitment to preserving the legacy of individuals who have significantly impacted the game’s community.

Acquiring the Gizem memorial title requires specific progression within Valorant’s battle pass system. Players must advance through the free track of Episode 6 Act 3 battle pass, reaching tier 5 to permanently unlock the commemorative item. This typically requires completing daily and weekly missions, with an estimated time investment of 8-12 hours depending on mission efficiency.

Strategic mission completion can optimize the acquisition process. Focus on completing weekly missions first, as they provide substantial battle pass experience points. Additionally, participating in game modes with shorter match durations can accelerate progression. Many community members coordinate playing sessions specifically to honor Gizem’s memory while pursuing the tribute.

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