The ongoing ChallengerMode EU RMR open qualifiers for the first-ever Counter-Strike (CS) 2 major tournament are facing a heap of issues. The main reason is dubbed as a lack of admins to resolve the issues.
Players were reporting network issues, with ping reaching over 17,000. For instance, with a 1000ms ping, there will be approx. 1-second delay. Other issues include game crashes, which were reportedly due to the anti-cheat.
The teams participating in the open qualifiers were waiting for hours in the pre-game lobby only to see a game crash during the match.
Worst of all, they were not even provided with proper reasoning or communication from Challengermode, who are hosting the open qualifiers. Some pointed towards PGL as they already have a history of technical issues during major events.
The first-ever Major for CS2 was supposed to be historic, however, the ongoing issues have left everyone doubtful. Professional players and team coaches are calling the arrangements very unprofessional in the esports scene.
What do pros have to say?
CS: GO legend Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev called out Challengermode regarding the ongoing issues. He warned that the community could destroy their reputation. Before that, they should hire more staff or even borrow from other platforms to fix the issues.
Another pro CS player syrsoN also dubbed the event as the worst CS open qualifiers. While NiKo also expressed his disappointment. Dupreeh, who currently holds the most CS: GO major trophies also called it unprofessional and that CS deserves better.
It’s sad and disappointing – and a tad unprofessional – that the biggest tournament in our game gets this treatment. Not only for the game but also for the players involved. I wished for something better ?
— Peter Rasmussen (@dupreeh) January 8, 2024
Another shocking revelation came as V1dar Gaming’s coach RuFire streamed himself instructing the team during rounds. Coaches are generally not allowed to speak unless there is a timeout, as the IGL must guide the team. As a result, V1dar Gaming was disqualified from the event and their opponent OG was given the win.
