Controversy has erupted just weeks before ESL One Birmingham 2024, a Dota 2 tournament organized by ESL. Today, on April 9, 2024, ESL announced that OG would replace 1win due to visa issues preventing 1win from fielding an eligible roster for the event.
The Controversy Unfolds
1win’s Coach, Timur “Ahilles” Kulmuhambetov, swiftly responded, asserting that all their players were prepared to travel to England with their visas and passports in order.
ESL’s Decision: ESL’s decision regarding 1win’s situation stated that despite extending the visa deadline, 1win failed to field an eligible roster due to visa issues. As a result, OG, who finished second in the Western Europe Closed Qualifier, was granted the slot.
Important update regarding #ESLOne Birmingham: pic.twitter.com/iff8nDjK7F
— ESL Dota2 (@ESLDota2) April 9, 2024
1win’s Response: Ahilles from 1win expressed disappointment, claiming that ESL took the slot away from them and gave it to OG, despite their team being ready to attend with all necessary documentation.
— 1win esports (@1winesports) April 9, 2024
Community Reaction: Former Dota 2 player and current analyst, Maurice “KheZu” Gutmann, criticized Ahilles’ statement, highlighting that ESL had provided an extended deadline for visa requirements. He also condemned the manipulation of facts in esports.
This 1win coach saying 'esl stole our slot' bro you didnt meet the _extended_ deadline of having visas. And I know Visas suck, but still.
One thing I hate in esports is people lying and twisting things in their favor cuz everyone's mentally 12
— Maurice Gutmann (@KheZu) April 9, 2024
Awaiting Further Details: Despite promises of an official announcement from 1win regarding their visa situation, none has been released as of now. Consequently, OG has been officially granted 1win’s slot for ESL One Birmingham 2024.
ESL One Birmingham 2024: Drama Unfolds as OG Prepares for the Challenge Ahead
The drama surrounding ESL One Birmingham 2024 underscores the challenges faced by esports teams in international competitions. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on OG as they take on the competition from April 22 to 28, 2024.