Do not equate us with B8 and IKLA - LMBT explained the issues with Monte's participation in IEM Sydney 2023

CS2 Coach Sergey LMBT Bezhnov spoke about the team's issues with traveling abroad to participate in IEM Sydney 2023. Bezhnov also criticized the community for comparing Monte to B8 Esports and IKLA, whose players deliberately violated the law and did not return to Ukraine after tournaments. LMBT shared his thoughts on his personal Telegram page.

Earlier, Monte's players violated the deadlines for returning to Ukraine due to their team's advancement to the main stage of the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 for CS:GO. However, immediately after the championship, the players returned to the country and publicly apologized for the delay. Following that, Monte successfully participated in IEM Cologne 2023 and ESL Pro League Season 18, both of which also took place abroad. More details about the team's travel situation for IEM Sydney 2023 can be found in the material.

Many people, including figures in our esports community, recall the situation with the Major and equate us with B8 and IKLA. So, I would like to remind everyone that violation is a violation, but [escaping] and returning late due to force majeure circumstances, namely participating in the world championship, are slightly different things.

Sergey LMBT Bezhnov

LMBT noted that due to his public position and despite the damage to the team in the upcoming Major, he returned to Ukraine without violating the deadlines. However, if the players had also refused to participate in the Major, we would not see the Ukrainian team among the top 10 strongest teams in the world today.

Without that Major, there would be no us as you see us now. Yes, I missed that tournament. And then, "without violating any rules," no one let me go, and the federation did not even submit the letter on time because no one provided the letter's number when requested, and even when there were no teams left from the country 404 in the tournament, they still didn't release anyone.

Sergey LMBT Bezhnov

Monte's coach also addressed the community and thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine for allowing them to continue competing in Counter-Strike.

First, do not compare us to anyone and seek justifications and fairness in this matter. There is a war in the country, and things happen. Secondly, just delete my contact from your phones; I don't know you anymore if in your minds you equate us with two clubs [B8 and IKLA] and consider it equivalent violations. And thirdly, this already concerns fans and people in general... We, as a team, like all Ukrainian civilians, have experienced perhaps not equivalent but still all the fears and difficulties of a full-scale war from day one. <...> Thank you for your support and kind words. Glory to Ukraine and to all those who defend our state and allow us to live and compete.

Sergey LMBT Bezhnov

READ MORE: CEO Monte: "We sold BOROS for $150,000"

Monte is set to compete in Group B at IEM Sydney 2023, which will take place from October 16 to 22 in Australia. However, it appears that the Ukrainian team will be forced to miss the tournament. The championship will be the first major CS2 competition.