BLAST bans Russian CS GO teams from events following Ukraine conflict The Loadout The Loadout BLAST bans Russian CS GO teams from events following Ukraine conflict As well as the ban on Russian CS:GO teams, CIS region qualifiers for the BLAST Spring Showdown have also been cancelled Jamie Hore Published: Mar 1, 2022 09:25 ET Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports tournament organiser BLAST has revealed that it will be banning Russian Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams from its events due to the country's invasion of Ukraine. This marks the first time since the conflict began that a tournament organiser or developer has barred Russian-based teams from competing, despite Russian athletes and teams facing similar sanctions in the world of traditional sports. As well as a blanket ban on Russian teams from BLAST events, the CIS region qualifier for the BLAST Spring Showdown has also been cancelled. This event not only would have featured teams from Russia, but it was being co-organised and produced by WePlay, a Ukraine-based tournament organiser that last week cut ties with any Russian partners. In a statement, BLAST apologises to CIS CS:GO fans, but claims it is the right thing to do given the current situation. "We are sorry to the fans and players in the CIS region for this decision, but we do not think it is appropriate that this event goes ahead, at this time. "Gaming and esports unites people from all races, countries, and beliefs. We hope the situation on the world stage reflects this as soon as possible." pic.twitter.com/jP1rbXahAb - BLAST Premier (@BLASTPremier) March 1, 2022 This ban on Russian teams will likely directly affect top CS:GO teams like Gambit and Virtus.Pro, both likely attendees to upcoming BLAST events. Gambit was also the winner of last year's BLAST Spring Finals and came runner up in 2021's BLAST Premier World Finals. BLAST has, however, clarified to Dexerto's Luis Mira that only teams based in Russia will be banned from events. Teams that have Russian-majority rosters but are based outside of Russia, such as reigning BLAST Premier champion Na'Vi, will not be affected. The cancellation of the CIS qualifier will also mean teams from neighbouring countries to Russia will be unable to qualify for BLAST's Spring events as well. Teams and players from the likes of Kazakhstan, Belarus, and even Ukraine have all competed in various CIS qualifier events in the past. More from The Loadout Astralis terminates k0nfig’s CS:GO contract after Malta altercation Neymar plays CS:GO after scoring hat trick in PSG win CS:GO fans can buy tickets for IEM Katowice and Cologne 2023 soon DickStacy leaves Renegades and quits competitive CS:GO due to “eye condition” How I think I played a part in getting Italy removed from CS:GO Karrigan becomes the oldest CS:GO Major winner with PGL Antwerp win Jamie Hore Jamie started out his journalism career rambling about FIFA esports, but today he covers much more, like the best Warzone guns and the Apex Legends tier list. He's also rather excited for the Starfield release date. Popular now Orianna has been disabled for League of Legends Worlds 2022 The FIFA 23 meta has quickly become all about Lengthy players Blizzard assures Overwatch 2 players their OW1 skins aren’t lost Network N Media earns commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon Associates and other programs. We include affiliate links in articles. View terms. Prices correct at time of publication. More stories Odoamne says Rogue is taking LoL Worlds 2022 “one game at a time” Best Warzone Loadout of the Week – battle with Modern Warfare’s best The LoL Worlds 2022 final is headed to a cinema near you More from The Loadout Follow us for daily videogame news on Facebook, Twitter, Steam, and Google News. CS:GO ranks: the ranking system explained The best CS:GO skins The best CS:GO crosshairs to use in 2022 Free shooting games Best PS5 games Best Xbox games