Due to visa issues, Xtreme Gaming announced its withdrawal from the upcoming PGL Arlington Major, confirmed by their latest post on Weibo.
The team's carry player, Lou 'lou' Zhen's visa to the United States was denied for the third time. The Chinese Dota Pro Team revokes their chance to win their first Major as an organization since hosting a second Regional Final placement event due to being restricted to travel to the ESL One Stockholm Major at the end of the Spring Tour.
Here is an English translation of their announcement on Weibo:
"We are regretful to inform all of you that despite our efforts and attempts, Lou's "three-signature" (permit to leave the country) was rejected. After a long internal discussion with the team, and considering the DPC points format as well as the trouble of returning to China during the pandemic, we finally decided to forfeit our slot at the Major. We have decided to stay in China to focus on preparing for the TI pre-selection instead.We apologize for not being able to showcase our team's playstyle on the Major's international stage, and we hate to disappoint the fans and friends who have been looking forward to our performanceThank you for your continuous support. We will concentrate and strive to deliver a satisfactory performance in the upcoming competitions."
Xtreme Gaming to Focus on Qualifiers After PGL Arlington Major Withdrawal
The Chinese team had the option of sending a stand-in but finally decided against it due to the risk of going home to China during a pandemic and the potential points it might have won there, according to a report by AFK Gaming. Before this withdrawal, Xtreme Gaming held a somewhat low standing in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 rankings and ideally would have needed to win the Major to receive a direct invitation to The International 11.
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Xtreme Gaming chose to give up its spot in the Arlington Major since it had tried its best for three attempts but Lou had been denied a visa again to enter the country, and the team also claimed to encounter several logistics issues.
According to Xtreme Gaming, it will now focus on the TI11 regional qualifier. Despite their recent struggles, the team thanks their fans for their unwavering support, and they also assured the public of performing better in their upcoming games.
Travel Restrictions Haunts DOTA 2 Teams
The PGL Arlington Major is set to happen from August 4 to 14. With recent travel restrictions due to COVID, tight visa prerequisites, and many other travel concerns, teams like Royal Never Give Up, Entity, Fnatic, and Talon Esports are also expressing facing difficulties in going through with their future overseas DOTA 2 tournament.
These events sadden many DOTA 2 fans expecting their favorite teams to join the biggest stages for DOTA 2. As other Chinese, Asian, and European players and teams share their difficult travel situations, fans can expect some more developments in the coming days.
Despite many fans being dismayed, many are looking forward to knowing the teams that will be qualifying for TI11, which will be determined after the PGL Arlington Major.
After Xtreme Gaming's withdrawal, no other team will take their slot in the PGL Arlington Major.
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