PGL to most likely move $2 million CS:GO Major from Stockholm

The organiser is running out of time.

PGL to most likely move $2 million CS:GO Major from Stockholm
Image Credits: Screengrab via PGL

PGL Major Stockholm 2021 was announced in January, marking the return of Major in CSGO after a two-year absence. The tournament has a $2 million prize pool and is the first CS:GO Major to be broadcast in 4K 60fps.

The 16th CS:GO Major will be held in the Ericsson Globe (now renamed as Avicii Arena) indoor stadium in Stockholm from October 23rd to November 7th. However, as the deadline approaches, the event's execution at the chosen venue appears to be in jeopardy owing to the Swedish government's decision not to incorporate esports in the sports federation. The tournament organiser expressed that they feel like they are running out of time.

“There is no new development, we can decide any day now to move it from Sweden,” PGL’s CEO Silviu Stroie wrote in an email to Swedish newspaper SportExpressen. “We are still hopeful of getting the exemption we requested to bring in the players, but there has been no indication at all as to whether it will happen or not.”

The greatest esports event, 'The International 10,' which offers the highest-ever prize pool in the history of esports with over $40 million, was relocated to Bucharest, Romania earlier this month for the same reason.

In addition, according to SportExpressen, well-known esports personalities such as Hicham Chahine, CEO of Ninjas in Pyjamas, and Jonathan “Loda” Berg, TI winner and Coach of the Alliance DotA 2 roster, are collaborating with The Swedish Esports Association and have issued a public statement.

“It would contribute to a greatly reduced reputation for arranging major international e-sports tournaments in Sweden,” the letter stated. “With this letter, we want to call on responsible ministers, ministries, and committees to follow up on the promises made and implement the changes required for esports events to be implemented in Sweden.”

Note: The above mentioned quotes were machine translated and may not be completely accurate.