Cover-Credits:
The players of BOOM Esports have all obtained visas for their trip to the United States (US) to participate in the final Major of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22, the PGL Arlington Major. The Southeast Asian (SEA) team's Dota 2 manager Zac Alfon tweeted that all seven members, including the five players, coach Chai "Mushi" Yee Fung, and himself, would be attending Arlington. While BOOM’s confirmation has come through, the other two SEA teams who qualified, Talon Esports and Fnatic, have reportedly been encountering visa problems.
In fact, PGL recently tweeted that Fnatic will be permitted to compete in the Arlington Major with three replacements due to issues with obtaining US visas for its players.
BOOM Esports secures visas for all of its five Dota 2 players for the PGL Arlington Major
In addition to Alfon, BOOM Esports' general manager Marzarian Sahita confirmed that all of the organization's players have obtained visas for the PGL Arlington Major following a two-month process. In addition, he asked for references for a videographer in Dallas/Texas, to serve as a replacement for the team's own videographer who was the only one to be turned down for the visa.
Mushi and Saieful "Fbz" Ilham were the first to get visas for BOOM Esports, as Alfon reported in tweets over the previous few days, followed by Rolen "skem" Ong, Timothy "Tims" Randrup, and himself. The ultimate recipients were Erin "Yopaj" Ferrer and Souliya "JaCkky" Khoomphetsavong.
Fnatic to likely play with three stand-ins at the PGL Arlington Major due to visa issues
PGL announced on 26th July that Fnatic would be allowed to deploy three stand-ins at the Major. Pao Bago, Team Director of Fnatic Dota 2, expressed his gratitude towards PGL for enabling the team to participate in the tournament. As a result, the teams are unlikely to be penalized DPC points for using replacements.
While the identities of the players, for whom the stand-ins have been allowed, were not disclosed, it is likely that Marc "Raven" Fausto, Armel "Armel" Tabios, and Jaunuel "Jaunuel" Arcilla are among those who have been denied the US visa. This is because, according to a recent Bago tweet, only Anucha "Jabz" Jirawong and Djardel "DJ" Mampusti had US visas.
Additionally, Fnatic's position five player Jaunuel tweeted on 25th July that it was his "visa day," but then later posted another tweet saying that it was the saddest day of his life.
What is the visa status for Talon Esports?
Meanwhile, Alfon also provided information on the visa status of Talon Esports in his tweet on 25th July. According to him Worawit "Q" Mekchai of Talon Esports had his visas denied once more.
This is a crucial tournament for all three SEA teams, as Talon, Fnatic, and BOOM Esports all have a chance to earn a direct invite to The International 11 (TI11) based on their accomplishments at the Arlington Major.
While BOOM and Fnatic likely need a top eight finish to get a berth at TI11, Talon has a much harder route as it will need to go all the way and win the Major to have a chance.
The PGL Arlington Major takes place from 4th-14th August.
