BLAST Under Legal Scrutiny for Substituting BESTIA at CS2 Austin Major

In a controversial move, Blast has opted to replace the Argentine Counter-Strike 2 team BESTIA with the Brazilian squad, Legacy, for the upcoming BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. This decision has incited outrage, prompting BESTIA’s CEO, Alejandro ‘PapoMC’ Lococo, to declare plans for legal action against the tournament organizers.

The basis for Blast’s decision stems from visa complications affecting two players on the BESTIA roster. As cited by Blast, the team did not meet the critical May 21 deadline for necessary travel documentation to enter the United States. Despite allegations that they provided ample reminders and assistance during the visa process, Blast proceeded to substitute BESTIA with Legacy, the next eligible team in the South American RMR standings.

Lococo has contested this replacement, asserting that the players successfully obtained their visas and that Blast did not take into account their final communications. His statements included plans to initiate lawsuits against Blast in both Texas and London, alongside posts showcasing evidence of the players’ visa approvals.

Commenting on the situation via social media platform X, Lococo remarked, “You know you’re doing the wrong thing. We wanted to resolve this fairly. See you in court.”

You know you’re doing the wrong thing. We wanted to resolve this fairly. See you in court.

— BEAST Papo MC 🔥🦅 (@PapoMcArg) May 24, 2025

Government Involvement Amid Controversy

The situation has escalated beyond the esports sphere, capturing the attention of political figures, including Manuel Adorni, a spokesperson for the Argentine presidential office. Adorni confirmed that the government had intervened to assist BESTIA in securing their visas and criticized Blast’s decision to exclude them from the major tournament.

“There’s nothing to thank us for, ” he stated on X.“Just do everything to let them participate and play the best Counter-Strike matches in the galaxy. End.”

There’s nothing to thank, just doing everything to allow you to participate and play the best Counter-Strike games in the galaxy. The end.https://t.co/jHLY99ylir

— Manuel Adorni (@madorni) May 23, 2025

In response to the growing backlash, Blast has reiterated that their decision adhered strictly to tournament regulations and received approval from Valve, the game’s developer. They emphasized the importance of enforcing deadlines to ensure operational integrity and competitive fairness.

“While the relevant players subsequently did receive visas, there is no dispute that they were not in place in time to meet the required deadline. Accordingly, we had no choice but to uphold the rules of the tournament, which all teams were aware of, ” said Blast. They expressed regret for the impact this has had on BESTIA, acknowledging the disappointment felt by their fans and the broader esports community.

As the Austin Major approaches, the controversy shows no signs of abating. Legal actions are anticipated, although no further comments have been issued by either Blast or Valve at this time.

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