With less than a dozen days left until ESL One Birmingham 2024 kicks off, the Dota esports scene finds itself embroiled in drama as ESL, the tournament organizer, dropped a bombshell on April 9th, 2024, announcing OG’s replacement of 1win. The problem? The latter’s inability to muster an eligible roster amidst visa woes.
The ESL verdict on 1win’s predicament for the impending ESL One Birmingham 2024 was crystal clear: “Despite extending the Visa deadline to 12:00 CEST for all teams, 1win were unable to field an eligible roster in time for ESL One Birmingham 2024 due to Visa issues.”
Adding fuel to the fire, ESL disclosed that Virtus.pro, the runner-up in the Eastern Europe closed qualifier, faced a similar fate, unable to enter the tournament due to visa complications. In a decisive move, ESL awarded OG—the runner-up in the Western Europe closed qualifier—the coveted spot, already assured of their passage into the United Kingdom.
However,within an hour after ESL’s pronouncement, Timur “Ahilles” Kulmuhambetov, coach of 1win, struck back, asserting that ESL unilaterally ousted his team despite their preparedness, armed with visas and passports, poised for England.
“All of our team have visas and passports ready to go to England for the tournament. ESL took the slot away from us and gave it to the OG team,” lamented Ahilles via 1win’s social media platform.
1win’s social media further elaborated on ESL’s decision, attributing it to a mere four-hour hiccup. Ahilles then pledged a forthcoming clarification, aiming to unveil the truth behind the April 9th drama.
This seismic announcement split the fanbase wide open. While staunch supporters rallied behind 1win, questioning ESL’s swift slot transfer to OG, others celebrated OG’s entry with a hint of jest, marveling at their seemingly good fortune.
