In a significant move reflecting the community's unrest, British esports organization Viperio has initiated a petition demanding the reinstatement of open qualifiers for major Counter-Strike 2 tournaments. This action comes in the wake of Valve's controversial decision to eliminate open qualifiers from CS2 events, a decision that has sparked widespread debate across the esports landscape.
On May 31, 2024, it was revealed that Valve had decided to exclude open qualifiers from the upcoming Shanghai Major 2024, opting instead for a closed, invite-only system based on their rankings. This change marks a dramatic shift in Valve's approach, contrasting starkly with their recent decision to reintroduce open qualifiers for Dota 2's The International, which had been absent since 2019.
The petition, spearheaded by Viperio, argues that open qualifiers have historically been a cornerstone of the competitive integrity and accessibility of esports. They allow unknown teams and players from various regions to compete on a global stage, often leading to inspiring underdog stories and dynamic shifts in the professional scene.
Critics of the new system argue that removing open qualifiers undermines the opportunity for lesser-known teams to gain exposure and experience against top-tier competition. It also potentially narrows the competitive field, which could stifle the growth and evolution of the game at a grassroots level.
As of now, the petition has garnered significant attention, reflecting a broad desire within the CS2 community to maintain the open and inclusive nature of major tournaments. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for how competitive structures are managed in esports, influencing not just Counter-Strike 2 but other titles under Valve's banner.
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