“YEKINDAR is in the worst spot, under the biggest pressure”. Virtus.pro GM on possible reshuffle, tag restrictions, and stickers

Virtus.pro general manager Sergei Glamazda provided exclusive insights into the team’s forced rebranding as Outsiders, detailing the political pressures affecting their Major participation. The interview, originally published on the organization’s YouTube channel, reveals unprecedented tournament restrictions that have reshaped competitive dynamics.

Leading up to the RMR qualifiers, we received explicit confirmation from tournament officials that no branding limitations would apply to our participation. This assurance formed the foundation of our preparation strategy. However, within 48-72 hours of the official announcement deadline, we were informed of a complete policy reversal prohibiting our traditional identity. The restrictions extended beyond team branding to include management personnel, effectively isolating our players from crucial organizational support structures during high-stakes competition.

No substantive justification was provided for this abrupt policy shift. We immediately recognized our squad would be operating at a significant competitive disadvantage. Professional teams rely on managerial guidance and logistical coordination during tournaments – removing these resources creates an uneven playing field that advantages opponents with full organizational backing.

Why PGL might have changed its mind

Through internal intelligence channels, we’ve identified coordinated efforts by Ukrainian esports representatives to pressure tournament organizers into excluding Russian-affiliated organizations. The persistence of misinformation regarding Alisher Usmanov’s involvement with Virtus.pro continues to surprise me, given his complete dissociation from the organization, yet these narratives persist unchallenged.

While avoiding speculative theories, the correlation between tournament organization selection and sponsorship relationships becomes apparent through basic analysis. GG.Bet’s dual sponsorship of both NAVI and PGL creates potential conflicts of interest, while Valve’s decentralized approach grants significant autonomy to tournament operators regarding team participation criteria.

This represents a fundamentally political determination, potentially influenced by economic considerations regarding competitor elimination through alternative mechanisms. Our primary focus remains competitive participation while minimizing engagement in attribution debates.

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About the name Outsiders

The squad members themselves proposed the Outsiders moniker after considering multiple alternatives. This selection process empowered the players during a period of institutional disenfranchisement. Naturally, competing under imposed branding restrictions generates significant psychological discomfort for professional athletes accustomed to representing their organizations with pride.

Any elite competitor arriving at a premier tournament expects to showcase their organizational affiliation and national identity. Being prohibited from displaying sponsorship relationships and team heritage undermines fundamental aspects of professional esports representation. However, our roster has consistently demonstrated exceptional mental fortitude. Overcoming such institutional obstacles validates competitive resilience and determination. The players deserve maximum respect for maintaining performance standards despite these challenges.

About the pressure on YEKINDAR and a possible reshuffle

Undoubtedly, YEKINDAR occupies the most challenging position within our organization. His European heritage and Latvian citizenship place him at the intersection of conflicting geopolitical perspectives. Consequently, he experiences more intense external pressure than any other team member. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, he continues to deliver elite-level performances. I express profound gratitude for his unwavering commitment. His ability to maintain competitive excellence despite mounting pressure demonstrates exceptional professional character.

We will evaluate our competitive performance throughout the Major and subsequent months. Roster modifications remain a possibility, consistent with standard esports organizational practices. Emotional factors may influence these decisions more significantly during this period of institutional uncertainty.

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About the stickers

For the upcoming Major championship, our team will receive official sticker recognition, though these will feature the Outsiders branding rather than traditional Virtus.pro identification. This creates a unique collector’s opportunity since these specific stickers won’t be available through conventional channels. I remain confident we will eventually restore our original organizational identity. The specific visual design elements remain undetermined pending Valve’s final approval decision.

The Outsiders squad secured their Major qualification with Contender status after navigating a challenging group stage. The team finished with a 2-2 record in their initial matches before clinching their tournament slot in an intensely competitive series against SAW, achieving victory during overtime on the decisive third map. This qualification journey demonstrates the team’s capacity to perform under pressure despite organizational challenges.

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » “YEKINDAR is in the worst spot, under the biggest pressure”. Virtus.pro GM on possible reshuffle, tag restrictions, and stickers Virtus.pro GM reveals team's challenges with tag restrictions, YEKINDAR's pressure, and Major sticker decisions