Each year we hear of the horror stories some teams go through for Visa applications into the United States for Valve’s annual Dota 2 International. Two regions in particular, China and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), are usually the issue – with the Embassies in both regions not recognizing eSports as a valid reason to enter the United States.
In the past this issue has been resolved, but this time with players being denied multiple times Valve has stepped in and are in communication with the Senator of Washington D.C.
Natus Vincere’s Akbar “SoNNeikO” Buatev, Vega Squadron’s Semion “CemaTheSlayer” Krivulya and EHOME’s Tian “Cty” Chen have all been denied Visas multiple times from the respective consulates. When time became the issue, Natus Vincere’s Director of Photography, Moritz “Moose” Zimmerman sent out a Tweet stating Valve would be assisting in the Visa woes plaguing the most anticipated eSports event of the year.
GosuGamer’s reached out to Valve for an official statement regarding their progress, where Erik Johnson from Valve Software responded with the following:
“Our current strategy was to involve the offices of Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) to see if they can make it clear to the consulate that there is a very good reason to admit him into the country,” – Source: GosuGamers
Senator Maria Cantwell has been “cooperative and helpful,” according to Valve, with the process so far and we’re yet to find out whether these last attempts at a US Visa will see the International 1 champions attend the event. It would be a sad day in eSports if Natus Vincere, who had to grind it out through the qualifier for the first time ever, were unable to attend the event due to Visa issues. The same applies to the reestablished EHOME as well as newcomers Vega Squadron.
The International has been one of the most highlighted annual eSport’s events.
Within the next hour players will be giving the Visa application one last try as the group stages of the competition kick off in just under two weeks. This already leaves little time for bootcamp practice and settling in. Hold thumbs Dota 2 fans, it’s not a real International without Natus Vincere.
On a happier note, the International 5 prize pool is now sitting at a comfortable $16.5 million.
Last Updated: July 14, 2015
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 14, 2015 at 09:07
Why not get a tourist visa for going to their hobby convention then? ;P
Skyblue
July 14, 2015 at 09:21
Difficult to explain leaving a convention with a million dollars maybe?
HvR
July 14, 2015 at 09:25
That will be seperate (and bloody expensive) exercise form the visa in any case
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:24
Because common sense is a super power and don’t make me post that Deadpool “Shhh my common sense is tingling” pic again
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
July 14, 2015 at 09:30
Lying will end up getting you denied for life =/
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:31
So which country aren’t you allowed in anymore? ;P
UltimateNinjaPandaDudeGuy
July 14, 2015 at 09:32
lol! Well since we all have the Green Mamba passport we are all equally screwed 😛
I have only been to Namibia and Australia. xD No blocks yet
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:34
The lady at customs in Italy gave me a funny look and 20 Questions when I tried to get in…
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:35
My wife’s Italian, so hopefully I can get in there still. At least.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:36
I wish your wife was my wife. Just so I can get out of this pothole that South Africa is becoming.
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:37
You know what’s the funniest of all?
I just want to get out, but she doesn’t.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:38
I think you need to have a long and hard talk with your wife…
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:40
I’m trying.
HvR
July 14, 2015 at 10:01
Reason for entry: To yell at noobs and explain the sexual positions his mother prefer.
hairyknees
July 14, 2015 at 09:56
This guy ^^^^ 😛
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:24
Imagine if this were SA.
Sorry, you can’t come into the country to play a video game and earn money.
BUT ALL INTERNATIONAL CRIMINALS ARE WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS!
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 14, 2015 at 09:28
International criminals? They’re valiant freedom fighters against Western oppression, unfairly smeared by facts and evidence.
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:30
Oh yes. I forgot about that.
The rest of the world is so wrong for wanting to convict them.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:32
Those bastards! Leave our African terrorists sorry I mean Freedom Fighters alone!
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 09:32
Aw fuck. I see Trevor said this already. I am excusing myself from the Human Race today.
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:34
That’s fine. The human race long excused Trevor. But at least he has the excuse of not being human.
RinceThis
July 14, 2015 at 09:42
DONT’A Be mean to Trevor!
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:57
How is that being mean?
You’re mean for thinking it is!! (I have no idea how this makes sense)
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 10:05
Come on Captain. WE both know Rince cannot think.
HvR
July 14, 2015 at 09:59
No the official body will be organised and work hard to smooth over VISA application and entry for eSports events.
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 10:11
I know someone who’s from the UK. Married to an SA woman for four years now. SA just told him to leave, they won’t renew his Visa and he’s not getting an SA passport. Now he’s back in the UK trying to figure out a way to let SA allow him back in while his wife is still here.
RinceThis
July 14, 2015 at 09:31
So more like DON’TA?
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 09:31
ba dum tish
hairyknees
July 14, 2015 at 09:56
What a dick 😛
Admiral Chief's Adventure
July 14, 2015 at 10:11
Agreed
RinceThis
July 14, 2015 at 11:55
Typical language from a DON’TA playa!