Recently, it was confirmed that Wolves Esports will not attend the BLAST R6 Salt Lake City Major due to visa issues that prevented the entire team from travelling. Additionally, a further four teams have experienced problems getting their players to Utah for the Major, painting a clear picture of the concerns esports pro players are having related to the United States.
In a post on social media, Ubisoft explained what’s now set to happen with these teams and players as the tournament quickly approaches.
Major Changes in Store for Salt Lake City
Ubisoft has confirmed in a post on social media that Wolves Esports will not appear at the BLAST R6 Salt Lake City Major. Instead, the team will be granted a 20th-place finish and will pick up the money and the SI points they would have gotten for such a result.
Their matches will be recorded as 0-7 forfeits, but will not be considered for tiebreaker purposes, per the rules. This has, of course, had an impact on the BLAST R6 Major schedule. Now, the first day of the tournament will begin with the second match in the starting position, with the Wolves Esports fixture being removed from the schedule on the second day.
Elsewhere, emergency stand-in players have been secured for four other teams:
- EDG: Noa replaces Direction (on loan from Team Secret)
- Wildcard Gaming: Hotancold replaces Adrian (on loan from M80)
- Twisted Minds: Guardz replaces Dov2hkiin
- Five Fears: Fenix replaces Archer (coach)
Ubisoft noted that any players who can resolve their travel situation during the event will be allowed to rejoin their team and play as normal.
Referencing the last-minute M80 loaner for Wildcard Gaming, hotandcold pointed out on social media that M80 technically made it to the BLAST R6 Major after all.
Have these changes altered your expectations for this tournament? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that Boston Breach is on an insane CDL losing streak
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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