TL;DR
- Tournament operators will exclude Virtus.pro and Gambit from major events due to geopolitical pressures
- Ukrainian broadcasters maintain language freedom without forcing Ukrainian language on Russian-speaking casters
- Gambit’s roster presents acquisition opportunity but requires immediate relocation and rebranding
- NAVI’s Russian players face difficult relocation decisions to maintain competitive careers
- Valve’s open ecosystem allows TOs autonomy in team participation decisions
Games and Esports Articles CS 2
Roman Zhuravel
March 23, 2022, 03:37 SGT
In a revealing discussion about the rapidly evolving esports environment, prominent Ukrainian commentator Vitaliy “v1lat” Volochay engaged with CS:GO expert Oleksandr “petr1k” Petryk to analyze the competitive future of Russian organizations. The Maincast co-founder articulated that tournament organizers would inevitably prevent at least two major Russian squads from competing under their established identities, suggesting that roster sales might represent the most viable path forward for these clubs.
[On sanctions on russian clubs]
While I anticipate no direct punitive measures from Valve targeting specific teams or competitors, this absence of corporate intervention doesn’t create a vacuum. The developer has intentionally constructed a decentralized competitive framework where tournament organizers (TOs) exercise significant autonomy over participation criteria. I’m confident that ESL and PGL will follow BLAST’s precedent shortly: both Virtus.pro and Gambit will face exclusion from their premier competitions. Tournament organizers retain the authority to independently determine which squads receive invitations.
The leadership at ESL and BLAST understands the practical reality: permitting Virtus.pro’s involvement would trigger boycotts from NAVI plus approximately fifteen additional elite teams refusing to compete.
<…> The remaining participants would decline to engage. Consequently, the sole viable alternative for competition organizers and athletes currently affiliated with these organizations involves accepting the TOs’ stipulations. Following the model established by Virtus.pro’s lineup during ESL Pro League Season 15: competing under neutral branding without corporate sponsorships or organizational ties. This approach provides competitors the necessary pathway to continue participating in Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and other competitive titles.
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[On russian-speaking broadcasts]
Ukraine maintains complete linguistic freedom, allowing communication in any preferred language. We cannot approach talent like GodHunt, SL4M, Tafa, and other broadcasters demanding they switch to Ukrainian commentary. Such coercion contradicts our principles. Our organization has never imposed linguistic requirements on Russian-speaking staff members.
Should any caster prefer Ukrainian language broadcasts, we fully support that choice. If individuals wish to continue using the language they’re most proficient in—we encounter zero issues with that arrangement.
[On Gambit and possible roster selling]
Acquiring these players represents an immediate strategic imperative—the lineup currently trades at discounted valuation. Were I managing an esports organization, I would seriously evaluate purchasing Gambit’s squad composition, which remains exceptionally talented. Naturally, relocation to another nation becomes essential, potentially pursuing residency applications and national representation changes. This methodology enables acquisition of elite-tier Counter-Strike talent. Competitive viability under Virtus.pro and Gambit branding has reached zero percent sustainability.
Gambit might sell its CS:GO roster, but right now this is a pointless affair
Because the Major is right ahead!
[On NAVI`s players from Russia]
Assuming NAVI’s leadership position… This presents an exceptionally challenging dilemma. My proposed solution would involve presenting these athletes with the following proposition: depart Russia permanently and establish residency in alternative nations. The specific destination proves irrelevant. These competitors possess substantial financial resources, enjoy global recognition, can comfortably reside anywhere while relocating families. Securing residency permits, initiating citizenship transition procedures enables continued representation of NAVI.
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Action Checklist
- Evaluate immediate roster acquisition opportunities from Russian organizations facing sanctions
- Develop relocation strategy for acquired players including residency applications and rebranding
- Assess tournament operator policies and prepare for neutral branding requirements
- Implement multilingual broadcasting policies that respect caster preferences while maintaining production quality
- Monitor Valve’s ecosystem developments and TO alliance decisions
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » V1lat: “Everyone will refuse to play against Gambit or Virtus.pro” Ukrainian caster v1lat explains esports sanctions against Russian teams and strategic roster solutions