COVID still playing spoilsport in 2021.
Renegades has withdrawn from ESL Pro League Season 14 due to travel restrictions down under, the organization announced today. ForZe will replace Renegades as per ESL’s replacement rules.
Australia introduced stricter travel restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19. Australians living abroad will need to provide a compelling reason to leave the Australian territory. Meanwhile, permanent Australian citizens will need to meet a specific set of criteria in order to leave the country. These criteria include traveling in national interest, for work or business in response to COVID or to seek urgent medical treatment that’s not available within the country.
These new rules mean Renegades players will not be able to leave the country. Even as this move’s legality is under the microscope, it is an immediate obstacle for the CS:GO team. As such, Renegades have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from ESL Pro League Season 14.
ESL announces Renegades’ replacement
With just five days to go for the $750,000 online tournament, ESL had to be quick to find a replacement. In accordance with their ‘replacement rules’, ESL has announced forZe will take Renegades’ spot in the Pro League.
Renegades qualified for ESL Pro League Season 14 after a 3-1 win over ORDER in the ESEA S36/S37 AU Premier. Renegades has been one of the most dominant teams from Australia. The team has regularly put up strong performances in local qualifiers and tournaments. However, when it comes to the international stage, the team does not pose a strong challenge to the European CS:GO teams.
Who will forZe play at ESL Pro League Season 14?
ForZe replaces Renegades in Group B of the ESL Pro League Season 14. Group B starts on August 21 and runs through the 26th. The group includes a total of six teams:
- G2 esports
- Virtus.Pro
- Complexity Gaming
- OG
- forZe
- Sinners Esports
With some notable names in this group, forZe will have its task cut out. While G2 esports are the overwhelming favorites to top the group, a good performance by forZe could through the group wide open.
ESL Pro League kicks off on August 16 and features 24 of the world’s best CS:GO teams in action. Fans can catch all the action live on Twitch.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest CS:GO news and updates.