Cover-Credits:
In a notable development for esports, Virtus.pro, the Dota 2 powerhouse from Eastern Europe, announced that all its players have secured US visas for The International 2023. Team manager Alexander "StrangeR" Solomonov shared this news on Twitter on September 21, 2023.
This achievement comes hot on the heels of Virtus.pro's resounding victory in the Eastern European regional qualifiers for The International 2023, cementing their status as a formidable contender on the global stage. The team's current roster boasts an impressive lineup, featuring some of the most skilled and revered players in the Dota 2 community:
Ilya "Kiritych" Ulyanov
Ilya "squad1x" Kuvaldin
Evgeniy "Noticed" Ignatenko
Oleg "sayuw" Kalenbet
Artsiom "Fng" Barshak
Virtus.Pro is going to Seattle
Virtus.pro's official Twitter page declared, "The whole team has received visas and is getting ready for the trip to Seattle!" This revelation raised intrigue about the team's current location, which was reported to be Jakarta, the vibrant capital of Indonesia. It is highly likely that the team obtained their US visas in Indonesia, adding an intriguing twist to their journey to the International.
BetBoom and 9pandas also secured US visas for The International 2023 in Seattle, providing relief for the Eastern European teams. Team Spirit, who previously won The International 2021, is also expected to have confirmed visas for the upcoming tournament.
Visa hurdles have long haunted esports teams across the globe, but the challenges are particularly pronounced for teams hailing from nations with tenuous diplomatic ties to the United States. Chinese and Russian teams, in particular, have grappled with the intricate visa application process for US events in recent years. These issues can disrupt a team's performance, potentially leading to missed opportunities, foregone prize money, and unrealized achievements. Furthermore, visa concerns may impede a team's ability to adequately prepare for tournaments and engage in rigorous training regimens.
With the official confirmation that Virtus.pro's complete roster will grace The International 2023 with no stand-ins, alongside the reassuring news from numerous other teams confirming the presence of their full lineups, anticipation is building for a tournament that promises to be a spectacle of unparalleled proportions
