BLAST to Not Invite Russian-Based Teams to their Events

BLAST to Not Invite Russian-Based Teams to their Events

BLAST to Not Invite Russian-Based Teams to their Events

A Denmark-based tournament organizer BLAST has decided to exclude Russian-based teams from their events for “the foreseeable future”. Natus Vincere, which has three Russian players in the roster, is a Ukrainian organization and thus their roster will still be able to participate in BLAST Premier.

BLAST have made this decision due to the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine. On top of that, they decided to cancel WePlay CIS Masters Spring, a qualifier event for BLAST Spring Showdown. The event was supposed to feature Virtus.pro, Entropiq, K23 and forZe. BLAST say that “do not think it is appropriate that this event goes ahead, at this time”.

Next BLAST event is BLAST Premier: Spring Showdown, which is scheduled for April 27th – May 1st and will feature $135,000 and two invites for the seasonal finals. Among confirmed participants are MIBR, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Astralis, Complexity Gaming, Team Liquid and Evil Geniuses.