ESL One Birmingham 2024, a prominent Dota 2 event, has faced criticism from Xtreme Gaming’s Zhao “XinQ” Zixing regarding various event management issues, casting a shadow over the tournament.
A Series of Setbacks
Since its commencement on April 22, 2024, ESL One Birmingham 2024 has been plagued by controversies. Even before the event began, ESL’s decision to disqualify 1win, allegedly due to a visa submission deadline issue, stirred up debate and raised concerns about event organization.
XinQ’s recent critique adds to the scrutiny, shedding light on deficiencies in event management.
XinQ’s Criticisms
According to a screenshot shared on the Dota 2 subreddit, XinQ expressed discontent with several aspects of the tournament.
He cited a lengthy 30-minute commute from players’ residences to the venue, deemed inconvenient. Additionally, XinQ highlighted issues with bright lights at the venue not being dimmed during games, causing discomfort for players. Furthermore, teams were reportedly required to arrive at the venue three hours before their scheduled game times, a decision met with disfavor by XinQ.
Impact on Xtreme Gaming and Other Teams
Xtreme Gaming’s performance in the Group Stage reflects these frustrations, currently ranking 5th in Group B standings. Their position is precarious, facing potential elimination from ESL One Birmingham 2024 if they lose against Tundra Esports.
Other top-performing teams, including Team Falcons, Gaming Gladiators, and Team Spirit, are also struggling and risk elimination from the tournament.
Additional Criticisms
Team Spirit’s Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov also expressed discontent with the size of rooms provided to athletes. Collapse voiced concerns about stuffy rooms and inadequate room sizes.
https://t.me/Team_Spirit_Official/9719
Speculation on Performance Impact
The subpar performance of usually strong Dota 2 teams may be attributed to the unfavorable event environment, potentially affecting players’ performance negatively. However, this remains speculative, leaving room for further discussion.
As the group stages conclude, the fate of Team Falcons, Gaming Gladiators, Team Spirit, and Xtreme Gaming hangs in the balance. Whether they can reverse their fortunes and secure a spot in the playoffs remains to be seen.