GamerLegion received a late invitation to replace 9Pandas in the first Counter-Strike 2 Major in Copenhagen. The Russian squad had to be replaced by the last-chance qualifiers due to visa issues that the Russian squad faced before the opening round of matches on Sunday.
Reports indicated that the team was struggling with preparations ahead of the Opening Stage of the PGL Copenhagen Major on Saturday, March 16. The organizers had given participants 48 hours before the start of the tournament to jet into the Danish capital.
However, despite the multiple extensions to the deadline, two 9pandas players still didn’t arrive, leaving PGL any choice but to make the harsh decision. According to Julia Sotnikova, 9Pandas chief executive, in a statement, some squad members did not receive their Schengen visas in time and could not travel despite complying with regulations for submitting the necessary paperwork.
This development has denied 9Pandas team captain Denis “seized” Kostin a sensational return to the CS Major circuit after six years of absence from the Valve-sponsored event.
Meanwhile, GamerLegion was delighted to have a second chance at the event after they were announced as the replacement for 9Pandas. GamerLegion lost in the EU RMR last chance qualifier to 9Pandas, but they were placed on standby in case there was a need for an emergency replacement.
“We’re excited for this chance, yet saddened for 9Pandas’ talented team, understanding the value of this Major appearance to them. Not being able to seize the opportunity for Major victory due to visa problems is truly disheartening, and we hope that 9Pandas won’t face similar issues in the future.” GamerLegion said.
Irrespective of GamerLegion’s addition, the seeding for the opening round remains the same as the squad faced AMKAL on Sunday (yesterday) in their first game of the Opening Stage of the PGL Copenhagen Major.
