Valve invite rule change may adversely affect US events

It could accidentally cause significantly more issues for organizers wishing to hold events in the United States. Valve recently updated their rulebook to mandate that organizers inviting teams to the main event must do so, at most, eight weeks from the start date of the competition.

Complexity GM Graham "messioso" Pitt spotted this rule change early this morning. "I implore you, please rethink this decision," the manager said on X. "16 weeks allows TO's to host their events in great, global locations, where visas may be harder to plan for."

For countries like the United States, entering for a tournament is notoriously difficult. IEM Dallas has become known for all kinds of planning issues as teams from Eastern Europe and Russia are routinely denied the ability to even make it. Complexity is victim to this issue with AWPer Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli notably missing IEM Dallas 2023 and the following BLAST Premier Fall Groups in Washington, D.C.

Nations like China are also difficult for Americans to earn visas for and the short time span is likely to cause issues for the global game.

It remains to be seen how this will impact tournaments heading into 2025 as Valve has set new rules for operators in how they invite teams, how they schedule events, and who is allowed to participate.