Recent hardware interference from conductive metal in stage desks triggered repeated mouse and input failures during VALORANT Champions 2026 group stage matches in Shanghai, producing multiple tech pauses per map in several series, including four pauses on Split in the FUT Esports versus 100 Thieves contest. Riot traced the conductivity problems, applied temporary fixes, mandated wired mice for all players, and began rebuilding desks with non-interfering materials ahead of the double-elimination playoffs, which open October 7 at the Jing’an Sports Center. While officials reported fewer disruptions after the initial patches and expressed confidence in the permanent solution, the same venue and equipment infrastructure carry over, leaving potential for residual issues or new variables such as venue changes for the Mercedes-Benz Arena finals weekend to influence pause frequency across best-of-three and best-of-five series.