BLAST pledges not to invite Russia-based teams in foreseeable future

The tournament organizer has cited the Ukrainian conflict as a reason for their stance.

BLAST Premier will not invite any Russia-based teams to play in its events "for the foreseeable future" amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the tournament organizer has announced.

HLTV.org has reached out to BLAST for clarification and learned that this does not concern current No. 1 side Natus Vincere, who qualified for the BLAST Premier Spring Final, as the organization is based in Ukraine.

Among the most notable teams affected whose organizations are based in Russia are Gambit, Virtus.pro, FORZE, and Spirit. These teams would have had to qualify or be directly invited to play in the BLAST circuit, as they are not partnered with the tournament organizer.

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The company has also announced that the CIS qualifier for the BLAST Spring Showdown, WePlay CIS Masters Spring, has been cancelled. Virtus.pro, Entropiq, K23, and FORZE were set to participate in the qualifier, among with four other teams who had yet to be revealed.

"We are sorry to our fans and players from the CIS region for this decision, but we do not think it is appropriate that this event goes ahead, at this time," a part of BLAST's statement reads.

BLAST's move follows a wide variety of other sporting entities who decided to ban Russian representatives from their events, such as FIFA, UEFA, and the IIHF, following the International Olympic Committee's recommendation to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from participating in sporting competitions.

huge
2022-03-01 13:08
8 replies
fukk blast
2022-03-02 08:46
“Gaming and esports unites people from all races, countries, and beliefs”. Soooo let’s prevent this by banning Russians who have no say over what Putin does that’ll do something! Putin will definitely think twice about invading Ukraine because of this ban!
2022-03-02 14:45
6 replies
#1314
 | 
Finland 3oF
Also how can blast pay winnings when russian banks are not in SWIFT tho? They really can not pay them properly
2022-03-02 19:30
I know its not easy, but russians are responsible for Putin. Its their leader. I know most of them dont want him (maybe), but they have to start care about their leaders and take responsibility.... Lenin Stalin Rasputin (wasnt leader but has an impact) Putin Add more...
2022-03-02 22:42
The Russian people are the only ones who have a say over Putin. Putin can't rule a country or fight a war by himself. He needs supporters. Sanctions and bans like this one could make it harder to keep those supporters. This really sucks for some of these CIS players, and I'm not saying any of this is their fault. There's a good chance this ban will do nothing to help. But it could help just a little, and that makes it worth it.
2022-03-03 08:36
3 replies
lets also stop calling the salad russian salad. this way russians will understand how wrong their government is and revolt against putin. this has nothing to do with my inherent racism against non-western people but it will totally make russians see. it may not do much, but it could help just a little.
2022-03-03 13:13
1 reply
+1 finally some sensible people wanting to make real change! thank you
2022-03-13 17:55
Do you really think Russians have a say over their leaders and there weren’t rigged elections in Russia for putin? Putin is a dictator so there is a good chance that fair elections don’t exist in Russia and this little heroic ban from blast will indeed achieve nothing at all. At least Putin didn’t properly plan this invasion bc the Russian vehicles are already running out of fuel and food.
2022-03-03 17:17
#4
JW | 
Sweden gNeJS
Big, every other sport is doing it, cant find a reason for csgo teams to do the same.
2022-03-01 13:09
#5
 | 
Finland OttoRocks
+rep
2022-03-01 13:08
#6
 | 
Latvia PRINCE_ROPZ
BASED AS FUCK
2022-03-01 13:08
9 replies
literally the opposite of based
2022-03-01 13:13
2 replies
hwml flair = opinion invalid
2022-03-01 13:41
That’s what happens when they use made up words. Buy a dictionary for goodness sake.
2022-03-01 20:16
I agree, you can make them play as no org team, if you want the statement, or ban NaVi as well... And m0nesy.
2022-03-01 21:35
5 replies
Do you know what russian-based is? They are not banning russian players but russian based orgs. Thus NaVi is not banned but Gambit most certainly is.
2022-03-01 23:48
4 replies
Entropiq and k23 are not Russian org
2022-03-02 05:51
2 replies
Yeah, that's why there is nothing in the article which says the two organizations you mentioned are banned. They were just invited to the CIS qualifier, but that event got cancelled.
2022-03-02 09:53
k23 is kazakhstani but it is BASED in Russia as their HQ is in Kaliningrad, don't know about Entropiq
2022-03-02 13:06
Read what I said. I said let the players play orgless...
2022-03-17 17:34
political bullshit
2022-03-01 13:08
19 replies
+1 the players ain’t do shit
2022-03-01 15:42
16 replies
s1mple literally said that gaming is out of politics. Tarik said that CS:GO unites people of all the regions, different video games and races. And yet Blast doing this, smh.
2022-03-01 18:24
7 replies
hope cssppa is gonna put out a statement to protest this Somehow
2022-03-01 22:28
4 replies
lol i'm pretty sure they gave up after richard lewis rolled them last year
2022-03-02 02:48
3 replies
#1313
 | 
Argentina Saazu
What happened with lewis and the players?
2022-03-02 19:26
2 replies
he basically just pointed out all their double standards and hypocrisies aswell as other things youtube.com/watch?v=Iy8KLeytnFo&ab_chann.. youtube.com/watch?v=8O1cUnJ_Plk both really good podcasts
2022-03-02 22:48
1 reply
#1324
 | 
Argentina Saazu
cheers! might have a look at them when I have more time.
2022-03-03 00:15
Agree, gaming is out of politics. but you forgot the funder of most of the russia org claims "RUSSIA DIDN'T INVADE UKRAINE" Are you still wanna say " gaming is out of politics."?
2022-03-02 13:52
1 reply
everything is politics however sanctions (as well as military options) are out of the question (as long as it isnt classwarfare)
2022-03-02 17:04
+1
2022-03-01 18:52
#1102
 | 
Finland 5way
Players have nothing to do with this, but the orgs do, At this point TO's have no other option
2022-03-01 21:24
Neither did All the sport athletes who aint allowed to Play internationally either
2022-03-01 23:16
They didn't ban players, they have banned orgs. If e.g. Gambit wants to compete they can, just not as Gambit
2022-03-01 23:49
4 replies
#1223
 | 
Bulgaria Radosl4v
that is not true since on the list there is some orgs who are not rusian based but have 3 ore more rusians
2022-03-02 06:49
3 replies
If you are talking about Entropiq and K23 then I am not sure, but the most logical explanation is that there is a difference between org being Russian and being based in Russia. e.g. k23 is Kazakhstani org which is BASED in Russia, as they have their HQ in Kaliningrad don't know about Entropiq tho
2022-03-02 13:10
2 replies
#1294
 | 
Bulgaria Radosl4v
maybe im mistaken
2022-03-02 15:08
1 reply
read this www .eslgaming.com/ article /statement-ukraine -4457 ESL's take on Russian orgs, players not banned
2022-03-02 18:39
+1
2022-03-01 18:55
#1117
 | 
Slovakia Adwarin
+1
2022-03-01 22:01
good
2022-03-01 13:08
Good news!
2022-03-01 13:08
Only vp and gambit are affected by this + random cis teams who maybe qualified
2022-03-01 13:09
13 replies
#202
NAF | 
Asia aref81
and entropiq wdym random cis teams? all RUSSIAN BASED orgs have been baned
2022-03-01 13:35
12 replies
But entropiq are czech based org?
2022-03-01 13:50
1 reply
#378
NAF | 
Asia aref81
mb if they are doesnt change anything anyway
2022-03-01 14:01
Entropiq is czech based, navi ukrainian. Forze and spirit are also fucked
2022-03-01 14:30
1 reply
#642
NAF | 
Asia aref81
2022-03-01 15:09
Russian teams where majority of them are Russians or Russian orgs?
2022-03-01 18:24
7 replies
#981
NAF | 
Asia aref81
it is not related to the players just org
2022-03-01 18:50
6 replies
#1109
 | 
Russia M1shV4T
I suppose that navi is an exception because, well, yeah... Hope they all will be ok
2022-03-01 21:35
5 replies
navi is ukraine based they are fine
2022-03-01 21:51
4 replies
#1113
 | 
Russia M1shV4T
No I mean the russian trio, considering how we aren't welcome basically everywhere these days
2022-03-01 21:55
3 replies
oh yeah got your point
2022-03-01 21:57
They may need to stay outside of Russia for a while, but beyond that I doubt they will have any issues competing and traveling coming from anywhere else.
2022-03-01 22:03
1 reply
#1122
 | 
Russia M1shV4T
+1
2022-03-01 22:07
#13
 | 
Croatia Momaq
great news
2022-03-01 13:09
finally
2022-03-01 13:09
#17
 | 
Poland kruky
Holy shit
2022-03-01 13:09
#21
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
deserved for vp undeserved for spirit and gambit
2022-03-01 13:10
24 replies
WTF yek is a god
2022-03-01 13:23
23 replies
#132
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
i meant vp didnt post anything about war + they probably support war(not players, organization)
2022-03-01 13:26
21 replies
lmao what? why should they post about it?
2022-03-01 13:27
15 replies
#167
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
really WHY???? ITS WAR, and vp is RUSSIAN team
2022-03-01 13:31
14 replies
yeah? wtf are they gonna do about war huh?
2022-03-01 13:33
13 replies
#191
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
atleast post u r against war
2022-03-01 13:34
12 replies
#843
 | 
United States b10ndi3
why? what will that change? this is virtue signaling stop acting like a teenage girl
2022-03-01 16:31
11 replies
#870
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
so its better to just sit
2022-03-01 16:53
10 replies
#888
 | 
United States b10ndi3
yes. this does more damage to esports than it does to russia. takes several of the top 5 teams out of tournaments and does nothing at all to stop the war
2022-03-01 17:03
9 replies
#894
 | 
Brazil Lok72
flag checks out.
2022-03-01 17:08
5 replies
#896
 | 
United States b10ndi3
tell me how im wrong. change my mind.
2022-03-01 17:09
4 replies
#898
 | 
Brazil Lok72
having no position is the same as getting along with it, in this case they 100% support the war, they should and have the necessity and whatnot obligated to say no to war, and isnt a matter of just fans, but sit and wait till your country explode west asia
2022-03-01 17:11
3 replies
#979
 | 
United States b10ndi3
that sort of thinking is tribalistic and is the sort of stuff that starts wars in the first place. when my country starts another endless war ill likely be against it.
2022-03-01 18:47
2 replies
#980
 | 
Brazil Lok72
and that's is exactly the point, to dismiss the war, if your country is divided in many parts, and many parts of it say they are against war, they ought to be listened, that's entirely the point, even more CSGO being a "war game", we gotta have a positioning.
2022-03-01 18:49
#895
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
it happened cuz people should protest
2022-03-01 17:09
2 replies
#900
 | 
United States b10ndi3
the russian people are protesting. have you not seen the videos of protesters all across russia being beat down by russian police? what more do you want them to do?
2022-03-01 17:14
1 reply
#918
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
i have seen, and i appreciate it, they are brave but its not enough this should be done by millions of people, not 10k
2022-03-01 17:38
#156
 | 
Europe nAjk87
I understand what you're coming from. But you cannot be sure of that. They might just be scared.
2022-03-01 13:29
2 replies
#185
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
why gambit or spirit isnt afraid? i am not sure about this, but seems like its true
2022-03-01 13:34
1 reply
#954
 | 
Europe nAjk87
I cant speak for them. I don't know.
2022-03-01 18:23
stupid comment, not posting anything doesnt mean not care, just no input.
2022-03-02 01:33
1 reply
#1248
 | 
Ukraine d3adLY
posting something isnt hard
2022-03-02 10:53
#772
 | 
China RADNIKEY
Sad for YEKINDAR but the org seems to be questionable at least with disabling comments
2022-03-01 15:54
shit move
2022-03-01 13:10
1 reply
#205
NAF | 
Asia aref81
good move
2022-03-01 13:36
Blast always ahead of other organizers. +rep forever
2022-03-01 13:10
2 replies
+1
2022-03-01 14:00
-11111111111111111111 want to do neom deal and only realise its shit after the whole community calls them out and then cry about russian teams and players who have absolutely 0 influence on what their goverment does
2022-03-01 15:29
#27
 | 
France d0py
HUGE
2022-03-01 13:10
naturally finally some things late to the party but better late than never
2022-03-01 13:10
I think this was much needed People are going neutral right now as the news gets more diluted in the public It is hard for people to suffer because of the government but it is what it is Obv decisions can be changed in the future if a resolution happens soon , bur for now this has to be the main point of attraction in eSports making people aware of everything
2022-03-01 13:10
2 replies
+1
2022-03-01 13:27
#1269
 | 
Denmark TBM75
+1
2022-03-02 13:20
banning russian orgs just because of where theyre from no matter their political affiliation sounds wrong :/
2022-03-01 13:11
12 replies
#66
JW | 
Sweden gNeJS
Well almost every other sport is doing it. its about showing disapproval and stop sportswashing.
2022-03-01 13:14
7 replies
In every other sport Russians are straight linked with the government: financially, at least. In CSGO Russian orgs are not getting sponsored by the government. That's unfair for those teams
2022-03-01 13:21
1 reply
That's also what I thought. And the players of those teams do not represent Russia. They represent Gambit, VP, Spirit, force, etc. that happen to be Russian based orgs. If Gambit wins a tournament, no one will say Russia won that tournament. It's Gambit and their players. In other sports the national teams play under Russian flag (or Russian olympic committee) and they get funding from Russian government. Let's hope for the peace in Ukraine.
2022-03-02 13:29
#762
MoMs | 
United States Virgin Islands zj2
If everyone is doing it doesn't mean it's right xd How old are u, parents taught me that when I was 6
2022-03-01 15:49
4 replies
#816
JW | 
Sweden gNeJS
Nah bro let Russia compete in every sport and build up their brand like nothing happend, great idea kid.
2022-03-01 16:17
3 replies
yea fuck you then So you are telling me that because Putin wants war everyone in russia wants war... #LetNa'Vi&GambitPlay
2022-03-01 17:34
2 replies
#935
JW | 
Sweden gNeJS
I think football teams, Hockey teams and other sports are doing the right thing in not competing against Russia. If you dont agree you are free to do so :)
2022-03-01 17:57
1 reply
+1
2022-03-02 01:45
i agree with this but i feel like the flight restrictions imposed would've made it unfeasible, still messed up
2022-03-01 13:27
its because of who owns them and not the because of the players
2022-03-01 13:38
#792
 | 
Myanmar Burgerape
Do you know that both VP and Gambit owners are Russian oligarchs with ties to Putin? Yeah, that's the fucking reason.
2022-03-01 16:04
1 reply
Exactly. Csgo is best game to wash money considerimg the value of skins and bets sponsors and etc
2022-03-02 01:54
#38
 | 
India Eosha
wow sounds unfair since those players dont support what government does
2022-03-01 13:11
6 replies
#85
NEO | 
Poland Antro
doesn't matter at this point, as long as the orgs contribute to Russian economy
2022-03-01 13:19
3 replies
#328
 | 
India Eosha
ok maybe yes thats the point but still not all russians want war lots are like us who lead normal lives feels bad for all suffering
2022-03-01 13:53
2 replies
#469
 | 
Spain EsKiMo04
I’m sure that most if not all russian cs players are against the war. But this is not about them, but the orgs. Some organizations like Gambit or VP are linked to the Russian government so it makes sense banning them so they stop earning money that then finances the war. Also, it is a method for stopping sportswashing, which has also been applied in other conventional sports. All in all, it’s a risky movement by BLAST, but I respect it. I feel so bad for the players tho
2022-03-01 14:22
1 reply
#1336
 | 
India Eosha
yep
2022-03-05 17:23
Zero situational awareness. Endian
2022-03-02 01:46
1 reply
#1335
 | 
India Eosha
lmao fake flagging Pakistani. Lets call india endia half ass burnt kid who cant understand reasoning if u had anything sensible to talk you would had explained but here u go pig brain
2022-03-05 17:23
Based.W.
2022-03-01 13:12
That isn't fair
2022-03-01 13:14
Damn,sad for the players
2022-03-01 13:12
wouldn't call that "uniting people" but my opinion hardly matters. unlucko for the players
2022-03-01 13:12
#47
 | 
Germany at0myq
Since Entropiq Czech org they will play?
2022-03-01 13:12
5 replies
If NaVi plays since they‘re Ukrainian org Entropiq should play as well I guess. Otherwise it could maybe difficult for the players to leave Russia right now (if they’re based there and not in Cz).
2022-03-01 14:11
#454
 | 
Germany X5ander
would be crazy. A team with 4 russians are able to play and a team with 2 russians (VP) not? WTF? Why only the place of the org is relevant?
2022-03-01 14:15
3 replies
#522
NEO | 
Poland Antro
probably because the Russian based orgs contribute to Russian economy. Unfair for the players, true, but so is for Ukrainian civilians, being bombed in their own houses & apartments on their homeland. Putin doesn't seem to give a single f about that, furthermore it just seems like that was exactly his order
2022-03-01 14:35
2 replies
#581
 | 
Germany X5ander
i understand your point, but as far as i know, the russian players pay tax also in russia, so they also help russia with their income. Maybe they should banned too? Would be more fair for me.
2022-03-01 14:53
1 reply
#619
NEO | 
Poland Antro
Fair point, will see I guess, those might just be the first steps, more probably still to come as the situation escalates.
2022-03-01 15:03
based. big W
2022-03-01 13:12
Ban from RMR, major tyvm.
2022-03-01 13:13
Rip Spirit
2022-03-01 13:13
RIP, here inb4 gambit vp and entropiq will get withdrawn from epl 15
2022-03-01 13:14
8 replies
#250
 | 
Czech Republic Tr3jx_S
Entropiq should stay cuz its Czech org
2022-03-01 13:42
6 replies
Yeah i forgot. But EU closed air traffic with Russia so russian players may not get to Germany, i think
2022-03-01 13:45
5 replies
#297
 | 
Czech Republic Tr3jx_S
Yh, that would be big problem
2022-03-01 13:48
They can just fly to a neutral country, and then to Germany.
2022-03-01 15:04
3 replies
visas?
2022-03-01 19:45
2 replies
I haven't heard of visa restrictions for Russian nationals?
2022-03-01 19:59
1 reply
Yeah probably not Germany, only heard about Czech Republic and few other countries
2022-03-01 20:00
Hopefully they do
2022-03-01 13:45
Good move
2022-03-01 13:14
#63
 | 
Lithuania simiaN
Finally! I hope other organizations will follow the example. Russian people have to express their position. That is the only way for putinhuilo to get dethroned.
2022-03-01 13:14
great now we will see the players as bad people or like they are different. big L
2022-03-01 13:14
Entropiq is czech i think.
2022-03-01 13:15
#91
 | 
Nepal Ekadeshcs
Sad for the players. But now more spots to asia now Pog?
2022-03-01 13:20
Good fucking job
2022-03-01 13:20
“ BLAST's move follows a wide variety of other sporting entities who decided to ban Russian representatives from their events, such as FIFA, UEFA, and the IIHF.” The difference is that in these sports the Russian Players are directly funded by the Russian Government where as gambit, vp, spirit and the players are in no way associated with Russian govnt (to my knowledge). Banning non-Russian govt affiliated organizations seems wrong but thats the climate we are in, so I dont really blame Blast for the move. Sad for the CIS region.
2022-03-01 13:21
damn
2022-03-01 13:23
good
2022-03-01 13:24
What a sad idea. The russian people have no choice in ehat their crazy leader does
2022-03-01 13:24
3 replies
#147
 | 
Lithuania Jaguar4s
Only way for people to wake up. It's not about only cs, whole sport industry, everything is cancelled. Gotta do it, time to stop being scared. Only Ukrainians have the right to be scared right now who has war planes above their head and can see damn tanks through their windows.
2022-03-01 13:29
1 reply
In fact, they don’t care, the Russians are only angry that everything is canceled and unemployment appears, and that everything related to the Russian is blocked, at the same time angry at Putin and angry that it looks like the whole world is Nazis and canceled everything related with Russian. So it doesn’t really help, but only hurts, now people only think about how they can survive and earn money, because soon there will be nothing to eat.
2022-03-08 16:05
#901
 | 
Ukraine ksay
there is a decent amount of indifferent russians who won't do anything until it directly affects them. this is what these sanctions are for
2022-03-01 17:17
feel bad for players, but it had to be done
2022-03-01 13:26
i like VP players, but deserved for org for sure edit: but from the other hand it makes no sense, two kazakhs and Latvian cant play cause of the russian org, but 3 russian players from navi still can play
2022-03-01 13:29
2 replies
This is towards the organizations, not so towards the players. Especially the pro-gov oligatchs behind the organizations have a big say for the current politics within Russia. Also, in more general, with these along with the economic sanctions are for a moment of meditation for Russian people, that if the current leaders lead the country to this kind of situations, should the public support this kind of leadership or (s)elect otherwise? (of course with presumption that the elections in Russia are fair, but I think they are "fairish")
2022-03-01 13:51
1 reply
I know it depends on the organization, but it's a bit strange situation, logically speaking
2022-03-01 13:55
#137
b1t | 
Ukraine 5d_
Based. Thank you, Blast.
2022-03-01 13:27
gj
2022-03-01 13:28
how about russian player?
2022-03-01 13:29
1 reply
#1104
 | 
Finland 5way
Players have nothing to do with this, but the orgs do, At this point TO's have no other option
2022-03-01 21:26
We deserve it. Im not even mad
2022-03-01 13:29
4 replies
#187
 | 
Ukraine D1mkaS777
Do pepole undersrand in russia that what they earned in February conditionally 30k rub turned into 15 k rub?
2022-03-01 13:34
1 reply
Everyone does but putin supporter dont care. They feel like the west is fighting russia. Brainwssh by tv works
2022-03-01 13:36
#192
 | 
Lithuania Jaguar4s
Thanks man, you know it's not personal to peaceful Russian people, it'$ only way to try to wake up the rest. Only Putler fanboys like matezrob1e above take it personal.
2022-03-01 13:36
1 reply
💔 Sad
2022-03-01 13:37
#163
 | 
United Kingdom mussel25
Based af Good job for having some balls BLAST
2022-03-01 13:29
Absolute nonsense. You are bringing politics into games now? People are nice everywhere. You are encouraging hatred by taking such measures as these. No one wants war, neither normal Russians nor Ukrainians. You should be bringing people together not segregating them. I wish you were as nice as your production but.. sigh
2022-03-01 13:30
4 replies
Anything that can be done to cripple the russian economy should be done. This is very good news. There will always be casualties, I rather have "russin people losing some money" over dead Ukranians as casualties.
2022-03-01 13:35
It makes perfect sense, i know Putin probably don't care about hes people, but once you take away something the people care about, they will fight back. Literally almost all sport event organizers are banning Russia We're talking Football, Olympics, Melody Grandprix, Tennis, F1, Ice hockey, just to name a few All the sanctions being made also affects citizens, NATO can't do anything against Russia because if Putin drops the first nuclear, all countries will suffer, so you have to hit them elsewhere
2022-03-01 13:48
2 replies
It kinda works the opposite way, the more Russians you ban from any kind of sports, the more nationalistic spirit will backfire at you. If they do not feel welcome and the alienation happens - the more hatred they will develop for the ones who alienated them
2022-03-01 14:01
1 reply
#906
 | 
Ukraine ksay
nah, it works like that mainly with people who already support RU goverment
2022-03-01 17:23
Deserved
2022-03-01 13:32
Very good!
2022-03-01 13:33
nice
2022-03-01 13:33
wonder if valve will ban them from the upcoming major
2022-03-01 13:35
1 reply
Valve does not care. They do only sth if usa demand it.
2022-03-01 13:45
ok lmao, that will stop putin
2022-03-01 13:36
1 reply
its more pressure on russian population so u guys can start protesting
2022-03-01 14:48
THANKS BLAST
2022-03-01 13:36
#214
 | 
Spain elk878
Keep politics out of esports, this doesn’t help anyone, only makes more hate from russians who didnt do nothing, same with football and other sports Dont get me wrong, i support ukraine, but also support the thousands (surely millions) of russians who are risking their freedom protesting against pootin
2022-03-01 13:37
6 replies
Risking life or risking freedom, choose one
2022-03-01 13:41
2 replies
#294
 | 
Spain elk878
NAVI: 3 russians: can play VP: 2 russians: cant play NAVI: pay thousands or millions to play BLAST VP: doesnt Conclusion: Blast is a joke Both NAVI and VP should play, but it seems like Yekindar, buster and qikert are invading ukraine Russians who are safe are risking freedom to save ukranians life, you see?
2022-03-01 13:51
1 reply
Navi is ukrainian org, but even if russian players of Navi couldnt play, that would be understandable
2022-03-01 14:10
XD are you trolling
2022-03-01 13:45
Not just millions of people here are against ongoing shit, but at least 100 millions (maybe even more). But hell yeah, let's just cancel Russia from everything because of one madman. Fucking outstanding move. Who the fuck cares about innocent people, let them slowly grow hatred towards UN, USA etc.
2022-03-01 13:56
1 reply
:/ i understand your frustration tbh
2022-03-02 07:23
#215
 | 
World CIS_ERA
stupid decision
2022-03-01 13:37
#229
 | 
Yugoslavia DySovn
dude wtf
2022-03-01 13:39
+1
2022-03-01 13:39
Good, hopefully ESL follow suit.
2022-03-01 13:41
Makes no sense. It means the Russian players are allowed to play but orgs not?? Cuz otherwise Navi had to be banned as well.
2022-03-01 13:41
5 replies
It’s the same thing happening in all team sports, banning Russian teams not Russian players on non Russian teams.
2022-03-01 13:47
4 replies
Hypocritical at top level
2022-03-01 13:50
3 replies
#394
 | 
Poland Kobel_
Hitting directly at the Russian capital (as in: Kapital, not Hauptstadt) while leaving a window of opportunity for the people outside of the "system" seems pretty logical to me.
2022-03-01 14:04
You do understand why they target the orgs and not the players right? They don't want any potential earnings or revenue to get in the hands of a russian corporation, and thereafter the government. Read a book...
2022-03-01 14:19
1 reply
the revenue can be held by the Blast. That is just a dumb excuse. Or how VP gets money when all international sponsors aren't able to send money?? learn math
2022-03-01 15:09
Makes sense, most sport event organizers are doing the same thing
2022-03-01 13:43
#261
 | 
Romania Ghostpawn
nice, what fault did cs teams/normal people have cuz an retard guy decide to invade ua? maybe ESIC must fix this
2022-03-01 13:43
Wee Will end in the point when Russia Will make war to eat
2022-03-01 13:44
For everyone crying that it's not fair for these teams - just a reminder that a lot of Govs blocked any kind of biznes cooperation with Rusian Ltd's. BLAST is a company just as any Esport team is therefore as gov ban it they can't cooperate. In terms of being not fair to Russians etc - it's your gov. I know elections are rigged but a lot of countries had it before and they menaged to revolt and collapse Comunist giverments while you all just fine with it for soany years. If you don't like to be punished for you gov actions fo something about it.
2022-03-01 13:44
3 replies
Blast justified it with war not with visa issues
2022-03-01 13:48
#302
 | 
Lithuania Jaguar4s
Ukrainians fought against puppet in their gov when Maidan happened. They fought to not be Russians puppet, to be independent. Time for same thing in Russia, they have even more reasons. Fight for whole Ukraine, kids in the army (who are supposed to be in training) and homeland.
2022-03-01 13:50
#359
 | 
Russia Desstar
Putin won't leave without a civil war, did you just say people to go and die?
2022-03-01 13:59
holy fuck this is stupid, whats the purpose of this?
2022-03-01 13:45
3 replies
They are basically just following the EU directive of embargo on anything Russian.
2022-03-01 13:59
2 replies
Except gas and oil ;) If they really wanted to hurt russia they would stop importing that instead of virtue signaling.
2022-03-06 21:43
1 reply
True
2022-03-06 23:04
Very good and expected decision. Grats Blast for the move.
2022-03-01 13:46
war is not excuse thats my opinion
2022-03-01 13:48
Good decision but they should ban those teams not only not invite
2022-03-01 13:50
2 replies
XD
2022-03-01 13:50
#446
 | 
Poland Trausky
+1
2022-03-01 14:12
Right decision
2022-03-01 13:51
#319
 | 
Germany who|cars
????? this is Counter-Strike right no joke so PGL BEST production right now
2022-03-01 13:52
#353
 | 
Norway PatrickGI
Good!
2022-03-01 13:58
#361
 | 
Azerbaijan werezzz
they have crazy government but its not fair to normal russians. bad blast
2022-03-01 13:59
#366
 | 
North Macedonia Huragok
what do russian teams have to do with what Putin is doing?
2022-03-01 14:00
2 replies
+1
2022-03-01 14:02
Most of these teams are owned by oligarchs i.e. Putin’s closest supporters.
2022-03-01 14:28
Good decision. I hope ESL will do the same.
2022-03-01 14:01
2 replies
You are delusional
2022-03-01 14:01
You won't wait. The new owners of ESL adequately treat Russia and Russians.
2022-03-01 14:17
#376
 | 
Finland Teukkasd
expected.
2022-03-01 14:01
I dont understand what blast is doing. Bad idea in my openion.
2022-03-01 14:01
1 reply
+1
2022-03-01 14:01
Would it be better to not allow teams from Russia to get prizes from competing in the tournament rather than have to ban them like that?
2022-03-01 14:02
What about ESL? The Pro League will start almost in a week.
2022-03-01 14:05
3 replies
What about PGL Major?
2022-03-01 14:52
2 replies
PGL won't invite Russia-based teams %100. Probably, ESL won't invite too but the main question is when? Because the pro league is a LAN event. So if you replace Russia-based teams with other teams, how do you manage that in a very short time. Visa/travel issues/etc...
2022-03-01 15:04
1 reply
#648
 | 
Germany X5ander
would be interesting, what happens in the next days, as you said, all the travel issues needs time. Maybe they will play with fewer teams, we will see.
2022-03-01 15:13
That wasn't needed, bad move.
2022-03-01 14:06
Esports should be out of politics. Well at least ESL is more adequate.
2022-03-01 14:11
#444
 | 
Spain EsKiMo04
+rep to blast
2022-03-01 14:12
good news +1 for blast
2022-03-01 14:14
Yes I agree this is a terrible move for players, management & staff because I'm sure that most of then do not even agree with Putin but when you look at it from an economic perspective, this changes everything. It's probably to apply sanctions to higher echelons of investors who are probably more involved into this war. Of course there are people against that war as everything is not black or white, but they can't spend their time checking each & every orgs fundings.
2022-03-01 14:14
WTF? this is putins war !not the russians people's one! stop hating on normal russians, they have nothing todo with this war
2022-03-01 14:16
can m0nesy play?
2022-03-01 14:18
3 replies
Yes G2 isn’t russian based which is why Navi can play.
2022-03-01 14:20
2 replies
thanks!
2022-03-01 14:21
#488
 | 
China RADNIKEY
I wonder if orgs like Gambit will move their nominal home country to play or if that will be too much of a hassle
2022-03-01 14:22
Everybody is going "PEOPLE OF RUSSIA IS NOT PART OF RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT" maybe thats whats the F****** problem?
2022-03-01 14:18
1 reply
Navi players and monesy smiling in the corner
2022-03-02 02:55
You must understand something. This is not just Russia's war against Ukraine. This is the war of the Western world against Russia. The Russians need to get their asses kicked whether they support Putin or not. Today Putin will occupy Ukraine, tomorrow Poland, Lithuania, Estonia or Slovakia. That is why the European countries do not want to allow this to happen and are trying to destroy Russia financially, economically and, above all, mentally. The Russian people must lose out in this war, because only this will make it possible to change Russia in the future. If this does not happen, they will continue to do what they want in Europe.
2022-03-01 14:19
3 replies
Nice to see someone try to sound reasonable and tell people how things are by being 100% confident that he can see the future so clearly that in his eyes it already happened. Which so happens to be the exact way western propaganda is trying to paint this conflict. Coincidence 100% tho. Not saying war is good, just pointing out a funny part of your post which also ignores the historic side of things, how conflict is long there, how UN did not do shit about it, how USA had 50 wars and none were as extreme as you are predicting this one to be but most of them were more bloody than current one. But yeah, rub that crystal balls while checking for future and get me some leaks what to bet on, could use some quick money as it's my birthday in couple of days.
2022-03-02 01:38
2 replies
Yes, yes. We know very well that you are great friends with the Russians. We know very well that they helped you during the war with Kosovo. So your words are worthless. I hope you will understand soon that a pro-Russian attitude will lead you into ruin.
2022-03-03 22:16
1 reply
I don't have pro Russian attitude, but I guess some people only see a divide and two sides. Also I love how it makes you feel when you talk to a very well educated person who spends all their years teaching the deep wisdom of ignoring the conversation, painting the picture in the lest informed way and using all those years to muster up an insult. Cause that's your level, you get mad when someone challenges your opinion.
2022-03-03 22:31
#486
 | 
China RADNIKEY
This is a bit extreme
2022-03-01 14:22
Pog
2022-03-01 14:22
#490
 | 
Ukraine Crimorn
BLAST BETTER BLOCK THIS SILENT
2022-03-01 14:23
#499
 | 
Finland Paleale
Bullshit, the situation in Ukraine is by no means the fault of Russian organizations or players. CSGO is going to die because of this
2022-03-01 14:27
Not suprising after seeing many russian sportsmen supporting putin decision.
2022-03-01 14:33
#517
 | 
Albania hardcoar
FINALLY! If only the resistance was this united against the "War on Terror" lull P.S. Stupid Danes probably should not have gone with "Gaming and esports unites people from all races, countries and beliefs" at the end Dx
2022-03-01 14:33
support the decision
2022-03-01 14:36
dumb, russian people dont control what the government does. Players get punished for something they can do nothing about.
2022-03-01 14:36
1 reply
especially non-russian players. That is pepega style
2022-03-01 15:18
#527
try | 
Argentina ArgCs
I love you Blast
2022-03-01 14:37
Blaming and even baning the whole russian people for the decisions of a single man. This is utterly stupid from westerners. It will only unite and radicalize russian people behind his leader. And a people united is stronger. Ukrainians will be the first to pay the price for decisions of few politicians and few sheeps wanting to appear as brave freedom defenders, but more certainly just please to their governement. What a bunch of idiotic decisions from everyone with all this madness.
2022-03-01 14:37
6 replies
+++1 Exactly, the only rational statement I saw here. The more you alienate and exclude - the more it unites and spreads nationalistic radicalism
2022-03-01 14:40
#554
 | 
Albania hardcoar
russian players aren't banned; only the orgs. this primary thing this will do is make russians dislike putin more
2022-03-01 14:46
4 replies
As I just said above - it works the opposite way as it only spreads the hate towards the Russians and therefore forms a nationalistic mindset amongst them
2022-03-01 14:51
2 replies
#595
 | 
Albania hardcoar
perhaps. that is not its primary result though, which is that russians will feel that their governments actions directly led to negative consequences for them. they will be more inclined to oppose it, whether they dislike any other entity or not. you should understand this
2022-03-01 14:57
1 reply
I understand quite well that the more isolated and unwelcome you make people feel - the less likely you are to get any remorse from them. There is a reason why Palestinians hate Israel and the west, as well why Serbs hate the West and not their government.
2022-03-01 15:03
I'm talking in general, not only for CSGO. And in CSGO, 95% of russian players are in russian teams, so it's basically the same. Also there is many non-russians in russian orgs, same in sport I guess, or companies, those are banned for what exactly, being employed by russians ? This is collective punishment, dictatorships likes to work in that same way usually. They would better try to make these kids do a video statement at the begining of the tourney, calling for fraternity and the end of conflict, this would have a better impact and shows some knowns russians doesn't seems toagree with the decisions of Mr putin. But well, now that they let this war happens without doing much than blabla, if not adding fuel to the flames, westerners wants to appear like they are super strong. A bit late.
2022-03-01 15:20
What do Russian gaming org has to do with war? Gaming orgs are not supporting any war. They should re-think this is not right.
2022-03-01 14:41
1 reply
#546
 | 
China jsackwj
true, russian orgs shouldn't be involved
2022-03-01 14:43
#551
 | 
Austria dukiii
buy stickers russians teams . no major coming
2022-03-01 14:45
#555
 | 
Sweden Hasklon
based
2022-03-01 14:46
#556
 | 
Poland Vajhro
good move
2022-03-01 14:46
Deserved!
2022-03-01 14:46
Thank you, my crazy president, Putin.
2022-03-01 14:50
#577
 | 
Finland Emvi
Stupid decision
2022-03-01 14:52
not cool but it was expected sooner or later
2022-03-01 14:53
#588
 | 
Azerbaijan Hocturn
So stupid
2022-03-01 14:55
#590
 | 
China jsackwj
Esports should stay away from politics
2022-03-01 14:56
Lost all of my respect. The world should understand, if Putin decided to do something, he is going to finish it. So, we won't see Russia anywhere until it's over, even though war is bad.
2022-03-01 14:58
Russian people dont deserve this... Prosofesional players are not politicins. They don't make political decisions...
2022-03-01 15:00
great job!
2022-03-01 15:03
This is insane. nothing breeds division or hate than exclusion or resentment. excluding the Russian based organizations from this event only further propagates the problem. banning kids from playing CSGO doesnt do anything with this conflict. they are kids man. grow the fuck up and let them play. whats next, you going to ban monesy(G2) and electronic(NaVi) from playing. cmon BLAST, you should know better. @SPUNJ Cmon man, please give them a serve on Confirmed. Here in AUS we just had arguably the proudest CSGO moment with JKS at Kato. really upsetting what BLAST has decided to do here. Fucking upset at this shit world we live in.
2022-03-01 15:03
3 replies
#631
 | 
World nt_Roma
Thank you! Just big thanks
2022-03-01 15:06
#1169
 | 
United Kingdom epnotic
Russian based organisations paying tax to Russian goverment. Goverment funding war equipment, tanks guns etc. Does it makes sense to you?
2022-03-02 00:17
1 reply
but russian players like monesy and electronic dont pay tax?
2022-03-02 02:59
#625
 | 
United States Phamous3k
Russia will be crippled… Understand these moves are bigger then just “Omg, you’re punishing the good Russians”. Nah kids, alls fair in love & war… Russia will be cut off from everything. Including you’re favorite esport.
2022-03-01 15:03
Good decision.
2022-03-01 15:04
PERFECT!
2022-03-01 15:05
#632
REZ | 
Trinidad and Tobago r41
This is why blast is the best
2022-03-01 15:06
Honestly, at first I thought its stupid but then I realized it has to be done. - no winnings - no taxes for Putin - probably CIS teams would have problems with money anyway, at least for now - even transfering money would be problematic - Russian censorship - They would have to turn off chat on streaming platforms etc. - inviting Russian based teams would be tragic for BLAST, They would lose alot of sponsors. No matter what You do, it makes problems for BLAST. On another hand, I love how one tiny (170cm) man united most of the world together. I like Russian people but this whole Russian KGB/Putin government has to fall so Russian people see the truth. Right now most of them think everything is alright because TV said it, radio said it, newspapers said it etc. I hope Ukraine will be aight soon, Russian/Belarus people will be free from Putin and world will come back to normal state edit: Jonathan, I hope You don't delete this. I didn't break any rules.
2022-03-01 15:08
3 replies
#699
 | 
Germany Hombr3
why stop at russian based organisations? by this logic everyone with russian ties should not be allowed in, since if they pay to be there, they pay taxes, if they pay for plane ticket, they pay taxes, if they pay for internet, they pay taxes, and taxes means putins money right? If they are present at the event, they can not be shown because of russians censorship. so I think by your logic everyone that is not 100% unrussian should not be present
2022-03-01 15:26
1 reply
#1282
 | 
Argentina ArtFly
Because we like some Russians, it's like with the German Nazis, we don't like them but we like the Ukrainian Nazis. we like white and blue-eyed refugees and the others we don't...etc.
2022-03-02 14:26
You forgot that Blast would face sanctions if it ever turned out that even one of the teams is in any way connected to a sanctioned oligarch.
2022-03-01 16:57
Whatever, the players shouldn't pay for politicians' mistakes.
2022-03-01 15:11
What a dumb, retarded decision. "Gaming and esports unites people from all races, countries and beliefs" But we'll still be punishing ordinary Russians with zero governmental power and affecting the livelihood of the players and staff in the process. Anyway, doesn't matter. Don't invite them. CIS teams are strong enough to qualify for BLAST tournaments through open qualifiers. This is just bad news for smaller teams and orgs competing in open qualifiers. Now they'll have to face tier 1 opposition and the road will be tougher for them. CIS team can rekt them easy.
2022-03-01 15:14
Keep politics out of cs ffs
2022-03-01 15:15
#673
 | 
Sweden Akoulad
"Gaming and esports unites people from all races, countries and beliefs" Still kicks our innocent Russians. Oh well, they're targeting the oligarchs behind the organizations. Sucks for the players
2022-03-01 15:22
Good move. Orgs like VP or Gambit didn't even condemn the aggression on UA. Serves them right.
2022-03-01 15:19
completely stupid
2022-03-01 15:23
Expected, u say players are not guilty They playing in pro russian orgs that sponsored by Russian government So it's fair
2022-03-01 15:24
why would you ban Spirit? They are one of the very few russian orgs who spoke out against the russian invasion in public, they should be exempt from this ban.
2022-03-01 15:24
#698
 | 
Romania wadd
Unlucky
2022-03-01 15:26
#702
 | 
United States burNout_
They did nothing wrong blast, why punish them for the decision of their leader??? That’s so unreasonable!
2022-03-01 15:29
3 replies
If you would punish only those responsible, nobody could be punished. And if you say punish Putin personally, that is just not possible. Would you stop Russia sanctions because people are not responsible? And do nothing? Direct attack is out of the question because of nukes.
2022-03-01 15:47
1 reply
#839
 | 
United States burNout_
The Russia sanctions are good, im just saying that this decision from blast has a massive effect on players and a very small effect on the actual people responsible, just doesn’t seem like a good decision.
2022-03-01 16:29
This isn't only happening in blast now it happens via the economic sanctions, too. Everybody in russia will feel those sanctions (afaik).
2022-03-01 16:58
I hope Gambit relocates to italy or something. Milanos finest!
2022-03-01 15:29
Because of such decisions, it doesn’t matter where in eSports or in sports, people in Russia are even more convinced that the West is nationalism and Russophobes. Where the world is heading.
2022-03-01 15:29
12 replies
ask putler
2022-03-01 15:36
1 reply
I don't need to ask, I see it
2022-03-01 15:38
#734
 | 
Albania hardcoar
that's fine, as long as they are convinced that poontang's actions brought it on them
2022-03-01 15:39
6 replies
Trust me they don't think so :)
2022-03-01 15:56
5 replies
EU doesnt see any other option so does NATO, they could've completly done even worse sanctions the one that Poland and few EU eastern countries proposed Cybernetic sanctions and entire SWIFT sanction. But be thankfull that they didn't obviously i don't support my gov, but the fact that they did it is because they don't want Putin anymore in charge. The guy went out of his mind threating the world with nukes, knowing that the other side would start a launch at the same time as he did and the world would Die. Perhaps the southern hemisphere would survive but they would be in bunkers and they would suffer consequence of our decisions.
2022-03-01 16:28
3 replies
if you're so smart, why didn't you agree to discuss security proposals?! maybe you don't need security? Or maybe you're not as smart as you seem?!
2022-03-01 21:22
2 replies
You mean these security proposals that were given to NATO to withdraw behind 1990 borders and let Russia take entire Eastern Europe. Then a NATO lack of interference and freeze of an alliance expansion? Or for Ukraine to not join neither NATO or EU (which is economical union) and for them to actually get influenced to veto their foreign policy. No thanks ever since Russian Empire everybody knows that the main role of Russian Leadership is expansion Eastward. Putin seems not changed about that, the world has long time ago seen that diplomacy of Russia is just as similiar as nothing. 1991 is seemed as great catastrophe for Russia and USSR countries obv it is, but not in form of territorial loss for me. But it shown a failure of an actual system and lack of unity. This will never be restored and even had Russia reconquered these territories, the sense of nationality is stronger than ever before. They would be completly fucked by an actual resistance movements
2022-03-02 08:07
putler want piece of Ukraine+nato/nukes out of Europe then he wil stop invasion. Yes, ofc, we can trust this pinokio, then whole Europe will end as ZSRR xD You think i can enter your house and tell you 'give me everything or i kill you'? Both ways-if u give me or no-i will take everything from ya-only u wil survive or no
2022-03-02 19:41
#867
 | 
Albania hardcoar
in that case, russians are EVEN DUMBER than we know, and all sanctions should be lifted
2022-03-01 16:52
+1
2022-03-01 15:42
I mean, Putin kinda started to bomb Ukraine first. I don't think not being able to play a video game is as bad as having your country invaded and your family killed..
2022-03-01 15:50
1 reply
I think thats quite right #837
2022-03-01 16:28
#717
 | 
Lebanon Dogman69
isnt Entropiq Czech orga?
2022-03-01 15:34
wait, so they ban or force them to go through qualifiers?
2022-03-01 15:37
#728
 | 
Brazil kal4sh
unfair
2022-03-01 15:37
#744
 | 
France MarcoXY
Wow
2022-03-01 15:41
World is ending very soon......Welcome to nuclear destruction.
2022-03-01 15:46
So Navi is a Ukrainian org now and Entropiq isn't Czech? Lift the ban from them since the ban is supposedly affecting the orgs and not the players.
2022-03-01 15:47
I love blast but first shady deals with astralis and now this? So unfair for the players, and also there are players like Yekindar who aren't from Russia but play on Russian teams that get punished by this as well
2022-03-01 15:51
Sucks for most of the players as most are in favour of peace, but it is right decision!
2022-03-01 15:53
Mixed feelings about this one... I can completely understand the reason as to why BLAST made this decision but at the same time, it definitely sucks for the players who are innocent. Hopefully this conflict is resolved soon.
2022-03-01 15:59
Expected, its the matter of time when other tournament organisers do the same.
2022-03-01 16:04
perfect decision by BLAST, best esport company by all means
2022-03-01 16:18
RIP
2022-03-01 16:19
Lmao what a fucking joke
2022-03-01 16:22
#825
 | 
Brazil setsz
bruh thats ridiculos
2022-03-01 16:23
#827
 | 
Sweden extol88
Justice.
2022-03-01 16:23
GOOD!
2022-03-01 16:24
#840
 | 
Czech Republic Venckor
Honestly didn’t expect that, I thought it would be too damaging financially to do such a thing Anyway good decision blast, politics should not be involved in esport, but that does not mean being ignorant towards crimes Thank you
2022-03-01 16:30
So cool! Big respect to Blast!
2022-03-01 16:35
That's very unfortunate. Just look at the teams mentioned there, BLAST and the scene would benefit of having Gambit or VP as part of the tournament through either CIS qual or invite. Also this just further pushes Russians out of the west, if BLAST really unites people from all places then they probably should understand that the Russian people don't really have much of a say against a war.
2022-03-01 16:38
Good. Need suffer them to rise up in russia. They need know that thier countries are criminal and what they does. Football, volleyball and skijumping main organizations make same good decisions.
2022-03-01 16:54
1 reply
there will be no uprising, there are several good reasons ... 1. the most basic, the country is huge, if the central government is weak, then a bunch of regions will want independence - Tatarstan, Chechnya, Yakutia, and so on. 2. at. the laws are tough, as in Europe it will not be possible to go out into the street with impunity
2022-03-01 17:00
So sad how they take the rampage on innocent esport players and politicize (e)sport. Do electronic, sh1ro... take blame for this?
2022-03-01 16:55
That's a W of an enormous size.
2022-03-01 17:03
#890
 | 
Germany mhan
Next Step will be to ban Russia Teams from Major and all the other Tournaments
2022-03-01 17:03
Russia banned everywhere
2022-03-01 17:31
#915
 | 
South Africa Speed_za
Irrespective of Blast banning Russian orgs, haven't most EU countries banned flights from Russia? And how easily will Russians get Shengen visas now? This obviously only pertains to LAN events. Online is a different story.
2022-03-01 17:34
I love blast but now they just did something childish
2022-03-01 17:38
time to end diplomacy with people that dont deserve it. lets cleans our souls a little bit and go on to solve the problems our world is facing. feels good to say: " no more"
2022-03-01 17:51
#930
 | 
United States Teztyment
Good job blast. Way to step up and show these Russians what's up
2022-03-01 17:53
#932
jks | 
Turkey v3z
thanks Blast. politics>esports. thank you. now pls dont say anymore "espor unites us". because its obviously not unites. and dear blast dont forget na'vi(en ukrainian org) have 3 russian player. what will you do for that? i think u shouldt call na'vi too. it makes no sense.
2022-03-01 17:55
thanks god navi are based in kiev
2022-03-01 18:05
Ripperino everything in Russia
2022-03-01 18:09
This is absolutely something that 99% of people agree is the right move. Sure it might hurt the everyday people, but enough hurt will help inspire people to overthrow their dictator. The sanctions themselves aren't meant to hurt Putin directly as there isn't a way to do that. When needed, the people will rise to the occasion and oust Putin.
2022-03-01 18:15
2 replies
so banning russian based teams from playing Counter Strike will "indirectly" help to end this conflict? that's one very optimistic conjecture
2022-03-02 02:46
1 reply
It's a very common a affective tactic... Putting pressure on the people to force a reaction... A very simplistic version of this is kidnapping... The child had nothing to do with whatever the reason was for the kidnapping, but the act puts pressure on the parents to respond the way the kidnapper wants.
2022-03-02 17:32
#960
 | 
Sweden Flukey
This is bad. Real bad. Now you are punishing people that maybe dont support Putin, so you punish them for no reason and i can guarantee you this will not make them like Putin less. It will actually push people to support Putin because now they are also angry with the west. Collective punishment based upon nationality it is the exact same thing as collectively punishing someone based of their skin color. This will NOT lead to any positive outcomes you may imagine it would. Doing this will only make Putin grow stronger in support among russian people.
2022-03-01 18:26
1 reply
#993
 | 
Denmark 12inchNRG
No. Sane people will realize their leader is a lunatic and the entire world is against him, and they are being punished for his actions.
2022-03-01 19:00
But hey, Russian players are fine as long as they play for other orgs, so it looks like a good decision.
2022-03-01 18:31
Nice!
2022-03-01 18:44
i stand with blast
2022-03-01 19:00
Great move let them feel the sanctions
2022-03-01 19:01
#997
 | 
United States Teztyment
RussiaN people aren't bad it's their leader.
2022-03-01 19:01
2 replies
How did they get such a leader then, and why are they content with him?
2022-03-01 19:41
1 reply
Bro most of the russian people I see support Ukraine
2022-03-01 20:30
Great!!! Pressure from all!
2022-03-01 19:17
Booooooo
2022-03-01 19:20
Finally someone stepping up and doing what is right. Much respect to Blast! Also, you morons saying "but the civilians has no part in this...", sorry, but grow the f up. Russia went to war as a nation and must take the consequences as a nation. The nation is its people and they are currently letting their great leader invade and kill lots of people in Ukraine.
2022-03-01 19:40
This is ridiculous and will only harm the CSGO scene and the players. They have nothing to do with the war. Shitty move from blast, not gonna watch it.
2022-03-01 19:41
3 replies
#1120
 | 
Slovakia Adwarin
+1
2022-03-01 22:02
+1
2022-03-02 00:07
Hahaha cry more russian lover
2022-03-02 01:14
I thought sports weren't about politics.
2022-03-01 20:10
5 replies
#1065
 | 
United States _salmoN
untrue life is political sorry bruh
2022-03-01 20:20
3 replies
This year's winter Olympics showed that politics used sports as a propaganda tool.
2022-03-01 20:41
2 replies
Afaik nobody watched these olympics. xddd Wasn't even political I was just not interested.
2022-03-02 00:07
1 reply
You don't speak for everybody. I know plenty of people who watched the Olympics.. i even watched it which is something i don't usually do for live sports. And yes, it got very political, which is something that should not be involved in sports.
2022-03-02 04:10
#1119
 | 
Slovakia Adwarin
+1
2022-03-01 22:02
haha
2022-03-01 20:12
if u fault Blast for doing the opposite than "uniting", then please guys, read your own comments and think before u write. what u say, how u say it, the name calling and many attacks on people isnt uniting either. if u fault Blast for not uniting, how is it uniting to call them racists and other shit? u know there is many ppl working for Blast and u calling them all racists and other shit? how the fuck is that uniting or fair? itd be the equivalent of blaming every russian for this war and calling whole of russia invaders. uniting also means that together we have to suffer consequences and hurtful decisions and just live with them. people in ukraine are dying. people in russia are protesting and risking everything. these are the people who have to suffer the real consequences. this is sad, but guys, this is fucking peanuts compared to the real consequences and some of u rly need to chill a bit and a get a grasp of the whole picture here. and what have you guys done for "uniting"? calling others racists and other shit for no reason? is that your way of "uniting" users on hltv?
2022-03-01 20:25
it's a good choice. yeah, some russian gamers might not be able to compete, but that's a far less shitty outcome than going on as nothing. russians need to take a stance, only way to stop this psycho.
2022-03-01 21:06
7 replies
It's a terrible choice. They could give the example showing and focusing on the friendship between human beings of different countries, and how beautiful it is. Take navi and vp as an example. But no, instead they will punish people that have nothing to do with this war. These actions from blast (and all sports, including football, tenis, etc) will only generate more hatred and animosity from the russian people towards other countries.
2022-03-01 22:18
6 replies
1000% agreed, it creates divide and also animosity towards GOOD people who have NOTHING to do with politics and have ZERO control over what Putin does. Total discrimination.
2022-03-01 22:29
as I said, they need to take a stance against whats happening, or nothing will change.
2022-03-02 00:31
2 replies
their stance won't change shit, banning russian based teams won't make Putin change his mind about anything, such a dumb logic, if that was the case, why not not banning american teams whenever USA invaded Iraq or Afghanistan, this is so messed up
2022-03-02 02:43
1 reply
no, of course it wont make putin change his mind, but if you put pressure on the people they might in turn pressure putin out. esport should follow example. how old are you not being able to grasp this, why do you think countries impose sanctions?
2022-03-02 06:58
+1000
2022-03-02 03:23
we have no hatred for the whole world!!! All these sanctions and restrictions from the Western world cause a smile and no more
2022-03-02 09:06
Thanks BLAST, its the right thing to do
2022-03-01 21:32
3 replies
+1 that was brave by BLAST
2022-03-01 23:05
2 replies
Absolutely. If I can talk my family into supporting a group of 5 Ukranian refugees, we will do it. Together we've already donated thousands. Glory to Ukrania!
2022-03-01 23:42
1 reply
thanks, you are great human being that's for sure
2022-03-01 23:45
It is nonsense
2022-03-01 23:03
GJ BLAST
2022-03-01 23:24
I think all the teams whose not concerned to be banned should protest to not compete in blast tournaments cause this is a fucking joke
2022-03-01 23:34
LMAO
2022-03-02 00:07
bullshit decision What's next? banning all russian players like m0nesy and half of Navi? Recently I've been thinking of s1mple's speech at Kato and believed that csgo will not be affected by politics. Blast proved me wrong. Very disappointed.
2022-03-02 00:11
#1182
 | 
Europe Cr3eP_70
Thank you Blast. Solidarity must be shown and it's quite clear the "russian based orgs" thing, allowing players to pursuing another path or banner. Russian people hopefully will understand that they must speak up and stand-up as a whole and stop the madman and the madness .
2022-03-02 01:45
2 replies
they are protesting and they are getting arrested what else do u want them to do?
2022-03-02 08:50
1 reply
You mean, the remaining 144 miliions?? Yeah...they can't do much.
2022-03-02 20:13
Imagine working as hard as these guys do to get where you are and you get this news. I cannot even imagine how devastating this must feel for their mentality. These people are counter strike, Gambit was as ubeatable as prime Astralis last year for the first half and you tell them they can't do that? I cannot even imagine what's your plan on how to frame this during broadcast "it's unfortunate they can't be here" fuck off, counter strike is at a great loss to not have best teams on tournaments. Integrity of the CSGO esport is at a lost, imagine rankings and how those will work when teams cannot compete for those? It's a done deal year, we can throw every lil stat out the window and call it irrelevant until we get top tier competitors back. On the bright side, maybe Striker wins that bet because of this as Navi looks shaky af.
2022-03-02 01:46
1 reply
yes ;c
2022-03-02 12:18
Very disappointing.
2022-03-02 02:03
this is so dumb, disappointing at the very least
2022-03-02 02:41
very sad for russian players and the overall population they are getting free hate for no reason its all putin's fault
2022-03-02 03:20
Discriminatory and completely uncalled for. Not their fault they live under Putin. Shameful display, blast..
2022-03-02 04:01
I’d like to tell u a small secret, our government not interests cybersport, and this hurt to teams. ofc no war, we don’t support this, but we can’t do something world going crazy, stop dis any kind of sport should be out of politics
2022-03-02 04:59
Pinnacle Cups, Malta Vibes etc. might become very interesting
2022-03-02 06:40
Fair enough
2022-03-02 07:52
This is not fair since Russian team/players have nothing to do with politic.
2022-03-02 09:38
#1249
 | 
Hungary kkarresz
Big disrespect for Blast.
2022-03-02 11:03
I hope other world championships will support the blocking of russian teams and organizations.
2022-03-02 11:19
Heroic's time to shine
2022-03-02 11:27
im just curious, is the situation the same in valolrant?
2022-03-02 11:44
#1279
 | 
Turkey Kuvars
It’s complicated.
2022-03-02 13:50
Well played Blast
2022-03-02 15:05
arabs buy it pls
2022-03-02 15:18
1 reply
ARABS CANT BUY LMAO
2022-03-02 21:10
Based blast
2022-03-02 16:39
ITS NOT FAIR SHAME !
2022-03-02 21:10
this ain't the move, blast. the russian people are not to blame.
2022-03-03 03:38
#1326
 | 
Denmark Menterx
GOOD!
2022-03-03 06:18
Sucks for the players though :/
2022-03-03 09:50
china > taiwan israel > palestine Usa > iraq afghanistan etc ?
2022-03-03 13:06
all right
2022-03-04 20:46
#1337
 | 
Poland karo120
big pog. Deserved
2022-03-06 16:30
everyone so happy when those players did nothing and not their carriers are just dead xaaxaxax lmao how to spot negative iq people
2022-03-08 16:07
Navi it is necessary to ban 100%. According to the rules, Navi has three players from Russia, and the fact that the organization in Ukraine means nothing. You can have 5 players from Russia, but the organization in Ukraine - you need to ban the team or change the lineup.
2022-03-16 21:01
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