Can esports teams pause a match?
I · Intermediate · During play · 3 of 4In VALORANT each team has two 60-second tactical timeouts a map in regulation and one in overtime, called through the game. A player with a technical problem asks the referee for a technical pause, during which nobody may move or talk to the coach. A team also has one emergency pause a map, up to 10 minutes per match.
How it works
- Timeouts: two of 60 seconds a map in regulation; one in overtime.
- When: in the first 10 seconds of the buy phase.
- No carry-over: unused timeouts do not pass to overtime.
- Technical pause: granted by the referee for a real problem.
- During a pause: no movement and no talk with the coach.
- Invalid pauses: a knocked monitor button, minor audio changes.
- Emergency pause: one a map, 10 minutes in total a match.
- Leaving: players stay in the match area during pauses.
The glossary has the timeout (esports), the technical pause, the player emergency pause, the referee (esports), the coach (esports) and the match (esports).
Tricky cases
A player pauses the game themselves for a technical problem. Allowed?
No. They must ask the referee; the team may be penalised for delay.
A timeout is requested 15 seconds into the buy phase. What happens?
It is queued for the next round.
Is a minor illness a reason for an emergency pause?
No.
Can coaches talk during a timeout?
Yes. Players and coaches may talk, but not move their agents.
Why the rule exists
Timeouts give teams a fair chance to regroup. Rules on technical pauses stop them being used as hidden tactical breaks.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Two timeouts a map | V 5.6.1 |
| Overtime | One timeout | V 5.6.1 |
| Emergency | 10 minutes a match | V 5.6.3.1 |
From the rule book
the EWC 2026 VALORANT and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS rule books: VALORANT, section 5.6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: the Esports World Cup 2026 rule books.