Evgenii "Gufis" Kondratev In the Counter-Strike community, there’s a persistent belief that Valve doesn’t care about esports. This opinion has taken root largely because people struggle to understand the publisher’s approach: Valve typically takes a hands-off stance, allowing the community to self-regulate and stepping in only when situations escalate significantly.
However, it’s becoming increasingly evident that Valve does care about its competitive scene. Today, the developer unveiled a list of exemptions granted to certain tournaments from adhering to the updated licensing rules. The exemptions apply throughout 2025 and primarily affect qualifiers in North and South America—regions lacking an active VRS (Valve Regional Standards) filter.
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Tournaments benefiting from these exemptions include events hosted by PGL, BLAST, ESL Pro League, and even a tournament organized by Launders. While many teams were reportedly aware of these relaxations beforehand, Valve’s official acknowledgment at the very start of 2025 is a welcome gesture. This upcoming season promises to be an exciting one!
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