Tournament organiser BLAST has responded to criticism following its decision to replace Argentine esports team BESTIA with Brazilian squad Legacy for the upcoming *Counter-Strike 2* Major in Austin, Texas. According to BLAST, the change was necessary after BESTIA failed to meet visa confirmation deadlines, a decision reportedly supported by Valve.
Why Was BESTIA Removed from the Austin Major?
On May 21st, 2025, BLAST announced that BESTIA would no longer compete in the Major due to visa complications affecting players Martín ‘tomaszin’ Corna and Luciano ‘luchov’ Herrera. Shortly after, BESTIA countered the claim on social media, stating that their players would secure visas before the tournament’s first stage on June 3rd. The organisation accused BLAST of ignoring their communications, insisting that all required documentation was in order.
Despite receiving backing from other esports teams and notable figures like Ilya ‘M0NESY’ Osipov, BLAST stood by its decision. BESTIA’s CEO, Alejandro ‘PapoMC’ Lococo, later hinted at a major update expected on May 22nd, though no further details have been shared yet.
With BESTIA out, Legacy will now step in, facing Chinese team Lynn Vision in their opening match.
BLAST’s Stance on the Visa Deadline
In a statement, BLAST explained that it had repeatedly followed up with BESTIA regarding visa confirmations, offering support and updated invitation letters. The organisers emphasised that a strict deadline of May 21st at 5 PM CEST was set for visa confirmations, which BESTIA failed to meet for two players.
BLAST revealed that BESTIA had communicated at 1:20 PM CEST on May 21st, estimating that tomaszin and luchov would receive their visas by May 26th or 27th following emergency interviews. However, BLAST argued that scheduled appointments did not equate to confirmed visas, falling short of the tournament’s requirements.
Official Statement from BLAST
BLAST provided a detailed breakdown of its communications with BESTIA:
- Since February, teams were informed about US visa requirements, with reminders sent in April and May.
- BESTIA initially confirmed they were processing visas for four players but later became unresponsive after initial applications were denied.
- Despite last-minute efforts, BESTIA could not guarantee confirmed visas by the deadline, leading to Legacy’s inclusion.
- Legacy has secured all necessary visas, while FlyQuest is missing one player’s visa but has a substitute ready.
BLAST also noted that BESTIA’s legal team admitted the initial visa process was mishandled, lacking proper legal guidance.
The tournament organiser confirmed that all other participating teams have their visas sorted, ensuring a smooth start to the Austin Major.