Valve shares that they might be forced to move The International – Dota 2 Championships elsewhere in Europe this year.
Dota 2 The International 10 might need to find a new home in Europe
In a blog post, Valve shared their dealings with the Swedish government in trying to secure an “elite sporting event” designation for “The International – Dota 2 Championships.” Valve says that they have been reassured previously by Stockholm Live and Visit Stockholm that TI10 will be able to receive the same exemptions that other elite sporting events received.
However, two weeks ago, the Swedish Sports Federation voted not to accept esports into the sports federation. This means that esports in Sweden, including Dota 2, will not be considered a sport, and thus, TI10 would not automatically fall under the category of an elite sporting event. Valve shared their subsequent attempts to have Sweden's Minister of the Interior reclassify the event as an elite sporting event. However, their requests have been denied thus far.
Without the classification of elite sporting event, players, staff, and audience might have problems securing visas to attend the event. “Anyone attempting to procure a visa for travel into Sweden for TI10 (including players, talent, and staff) would be denied,” says Valve. “The absence of this official recognition also means individual border agents would be making decisions about entry for those traveling to the event from countries outside the EU who do not typically need a visa to enter Sweden.”
Valve shares that they are currently appealing the decision of the Minister of the Interior. However, they also opened the possibility of holding The International elsewhere in Europe.
In the meantime, Valve implores Dota 2 fans to continue enjoying the TI qualifiers, whose schedule will not be affected by this issue. They also teased the upcoming summer event in Dota 2: Nemestice.
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