BLAST’s decision to replace the Argentinian team, BESTIA, with the Brazilian squad Legacy for the BLAST.TV Austin Major 2025 has stirred up a storm of protests from players and fans across the CS2 community.
The move was sparked by BESTIA’s failure to secure U.S. visas for two of their key players, despite the team’s CEO, Alejandro “PapoMC” Lococo, claiming the visas would be ready by May 26.
BLAST made an official announcement on May 21, explaining that the deadline for obtaining U.S. visas was May 21.
According to BLAST, BESTIA had only secured “visa appointments, not confirmed visas,” countering the claims made by Lococo.
The tournament organizer further stated that Valve, the developer of CS2, had validated their decision, indicating that the replacement was final. The news was a blow to fans who had eagerly anticipated the participation of the Argentinian-majority team.
BESTIA’s Journey to the Major and Visa Struggles
BESTIA qualified for the BLAST.TV Austin Major 2025 after a tense battle against Legacy in the South American Major Regional Qualifier (MRQ).
The team’s success was monumental, as it would have marked the first time an Argentinian-majority lineup would compete in Counter-Strike’s flagship event.
However, the team ran into significant obstacles in obtaining U.S. visas for two of their players: Luciano “Luchov” Herrera and Martín “Tomaszin” Corna.
On May 17, BESTIA posted an emotional video, calling for help from the global CS2 community to bring attention to their visa struggles.
Along with the video, the team initiated a campaign on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag #ArgentinaAlMundial. In the video, Lococo pleaded with authorities to expedite the visa process to allow his team to participate in the tournament.
Despite their hopes, BLAST made the final decision to replace BESTIA with Legacy, a decision that did not sit well with the CS2 community.
Legacy, which was eliminated by BESTIA during the MRQ, was now taking their place at the Major, despite BESTIA’s assurances that their players would have their visas ready by May 26, just days before the event officially starts on June 3.
Protests Erupt from CS2 Pros Worldwide
The decision to replace BESTIA with Legacy has been met with significant backlash from the CS2 community.
Over 60 professional players from around the world, including FaZe’s Finn “karrigan” Andersen and Aurora’s İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş, voiced their support for BESTIA, urging BLAST to reconsider their decision.
Among the first to speak out was Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, captain of Vitality, the world’s top-ranked CS2 team. ApEX posted on X: “BLAST, wait a bit please. It’s needed, they deserve.”
Brazilian player Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, captain of FURIA, also lent his voice to the protest, urging BLAST to “revisit the decision if they can get the visa in an appropriate time,” adding the hashtag #ArgentinaAlMundial.
The calls for action were widespread, with many players expressing disbelief at the decision and asking for a delay, even as the tournament’s start date looms.
BLAST Responds to Outrage
Despite the growing protests, BLAST has maintained its stance, citing the visa deadline as a crucial factor in the decision-making process.
The tournament organizer has already invited Legacy to replace BESTIA at the event, making it unlikely that the decision will be reversed.
The Brazilian team, Legacy, now faces the pressure of replacing a team that earned its place through hard-fought competition.
Valve, the developer of CS2, has not yet commented on the situation. The developer has the authority to intervene in the matter, but they have generally refrained from getting involved in decisions regarding tournament participation. This leaves the future of BESTIA’s participation in the Major hanging in the balance.
Summary
BLAST’s decision to replace BESTIA with Legacy at the BLAST.TV Austin Major 2025, due to visa issues, has led to widespread protests from CS2 professionals and fans alike.
BESTIA, who qualified for the Major over Legacy, had trouble securing U.S. visas for two of their players, despite assurances that the visas would be ready shortly before the event.
The CS2 community, including prominent players, has rallied behind BESTIA, using the hashtag #ArgentinaAlMundial. While BLAST has remained firm in its decision, it remains to be seen if the pressure from the community will prompt a change of heart.