A Timeline of Events Regarding The Galaxy Battles 2 Tournament
The esports scene has been abuzz with the news regarding the Galaxy Battles 2 tournament. Set to go down at the Philiipine Arena in Bulacan, Philippines from January 19 to 21, it was initially planned to be a Major and a part of the Dota Pro Circuit, up until recently.
On January 4th, in a post on blog.dota2.com, Valve explained that they decided to drop the tournament’s Major status due to “information we’ve recently confirmed regarding new government regulations for esports players entering the Philippines.”
Although the Major designation has been dropped, the tournament is still expected to push through, but without any involvement of Valve or the Dota Pro Circuit.
Timeline
The following is a timeline of events that have occurred surrounding the tournament. We will continue to update this post as events transpire leading up to the tournament.
October 5, 2017
Galaxy Battles Major 2018 is announced. Set to be the first Major of 2018.
January 4, 2018
Valve announces it is dropping the tournament from the Dota Pro Circuit in a blog post, removing its Major status and Pro Circuit qualifying points.
Valve’s reasoning behind this move is due to “unreasonable infringements on the privacy of the players, as a condition to enter the country.”
Valve also explains that they are finding a way to run a Major with the invited and qualifying teams, including the Pro Circuit points that would have been available in Galaxy Battles 2.
January 5, 2018
Virtus.pro withdraws from the tournament.
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) release their official statement.
The GAB issued a clarification regarding the mandatory drug testing of athletes entering the Philippines. They explained that any professional athlete who wishes to participate in professional games or tournaments in the Philippines is required to obtain a professional license from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). This is all according to Presidential Decree No. 871 issued in 1976.
January 6, 2018
Team Secret withdraws from the tournament.
Team Liquid withdraws from the tournament.
OpTic Gaming withdraws from the tournament.
January 8, 2018
Newbee withdraws from the tournament.
Mineski withdraws from the tournament.
January 9, 2018
OG announce they are pushing through with the tournament, albeit with substitutions.
Infamous Gaming and Evil Geniuses announce they are pushing through with the tournament.
Galaxy Battles confirm the attendance of VG.J Thunder and TNC Pro Team.
Galaxy Battles confirm the attendance of Pain Gaming, with Omar “w33″ Aliwi standing in.
January 10, 2018
Galaxy Battles confirm the attendance of three wildcard teams; Skyville, PG.Barracx, and Team Empire.
LGD Forever Young withdraws from the tournament.
Feature image from Galaxy Battles Facebook.
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