PGL CSGO Major 2021 in Stockholm this year is in troubled waters. The position of the Swedish authorities not to recognize esport as a sporting event is again creating a rift. The mayor of Stockholm, in a letter to the government, expressed concerns about the “repetition of the same mistake”, referring to the cancellation of DotA 2 The International 2021.

Stockholm Finance Minister Anna König Jerlmyr wrote to both Home Affairs Mikael Damberg and Sports Minister Amanda Lind that the government is about to make the same mistake by canceling a mega esports event powered by Valve.

SportExpressen received the complete letter (translated from Swedish), excerpts of which suggest, “The government is about to repeat the same mistake it made a few weeks ago when the world’s largest esports tournament, The International, was moved from Stockholm. Now, unfortunately, history seems to be repeating itself for CS: GO Major “

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Further, the Minister of Finance explained that most government staff were unaware that the DotA 2 and CS: GO events were on this scale.

The escalation of doubts began a few weeks ago when DotA 2 – The International 2021 was kicked out of Sweden by the authorities. The CS: GO Major has however been reaffirmed by Valve, which will be hosted in Stockholm City, until recently this story was reported.

Valve has found a new European home for DotA 2 The International, is also expected to start looking for CS: GO

Even if the CS: GO PGL Major 2021 is moved out of Sweden, it won’t be shocking, as Swedish authorities have rejected special treatment for another large-scale DotA 2 – The International esports event.

Finally, Valve has decided to host the $ 40 million pool event in Romania.

LETTER FROM ANNA KÖNIG JERLMYR TO THE GOVERNMENT

“The government is about to repeat the same mistake it made a few weeks ago when the world’s largest esports tournament, The International, left Stockholm. Now, unfortunately, the story looks like this repeat for CS: GO Major, when the government this time also cannot provide information that ensures the tournament is implemented.

The Swedish Electronic Sports Association is not part of the Swedish Sports Confederation and recently the Swedish Sports Confederation rejected their application to become one.
special sports. Whether the E-sports association had become part of the Swedish Sports Confederation had no problems, as the border police followed the Swedish Sports Confederation’s definition of elite sports.

At the same time, the government regarding The International was unable to act and the tournament was moved to Bucharest. The problem was that the entry of competitors could not be guaranteed.

That the organizers choose Sweden and Stockholm is an opportunity for thousands of visitors to see their heroes from all over the world living here in our capital. A positive side effect of this is all hotel nights, restaurant visits and our rich cultural life which enriches not only visitors but also industries hard hit by the ongoing pandemic.

I have the utmost respect for the pandemic. But the infection situation is now improving and just a few days ago, on July 12, the city’s Minister of Commerce and Industry and the city’s epidemiologist informed the next step in the removal of restrictions. . In addition, vaccination is progressing at a rapid rate with more than 70 percent vaccinated in the Stockholm region.

By the time of CS: GO Major, the entire Swedish adult population had received their first dose of vaccine. In this context, it is unreasonable that an e-sport setting does not obtain the required guarantees when, for example, the World Figure Skating Championships could be held from 22 to 28

In March at the Avicii Arena and until June 18-20, it was the Global Champion Tour show jumping tournament at Stockholm Stadium.

Sweden and Stockholm need more major sports and e-
sporting events – no less. If CS: GO Major is moved from Sweden and Stockholm would be devastating for several reasons. The International’s decision sends a signal that Sweden and the government don’t care about esports.

The government can give an authorization to sign invitations in this matter and thus issue the guarantees required so that the organizers do not also move this tournament abroad. The notice to the organizer must be submitted by July 16 at the latest, so time is of the essence.

I hope the government will seize the opportunity and allow CS: GO Major fans to experience Stockholm and let the people of Stockholm show them our beautiful city. “

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