I think that people in this community would do well to start being more content with and respectful towards ranks below Radiant.

As of this writing (well, the most recent data I can find), a Gold 1 player is better than more than half of ranked players. A Silver 3 player isn't that far behind.

Getting to that level means you're literally competent at this game, at least in some important ways (at least according to the game). Honestly, good job!

Should you aspire to more? Sure, why not?

But you also have to realize that, especially if you've got a full life outside of this game, there are going to be a lot of people who outrank you and you may not be able to climb the ladder above them.

Your choice, then, is to decide whether you're playing this game for a fancier gun buddy or because you love playing this game.

I think the latter is a lot less silly and a lot healthier, for both your broader mental health and your Valorant mental game.

If I made slightly different decisions and didn't take long breaks from this game, I'm completely certain I would be a significantly higher rank than I am now.

But I'm not, and that's totally okay. I like playing.

And if you don't generally like playing regardless of outcome/status and, again, only care about that lil in-game trinket to hang off of your pretend digital gun... maybe take a step back and make sure that playing Valorant is a net positive in your life.

People play games and sports without being in the tippy-top percentage of players all the time, and their expectations aren't unhealthily warped. Keep that in mind as you compete in this game.

And keep that in mind when you look down your nose at lower-ranked players. If you're a player in a higher rank, you need these players to have your higher rank mean anything. And you need these players to keep the game running.

So when it comes to rank: be respectful, to yourself and others.