Valve introduces licensing for Counter-Strike Tournament Organizers

On the 3rd of August 2023, Valve announced new rules for professional Counter-Strike events to take place in 2025. Now, the game developer shared more details and terms for the Tournament Organizers' license agreements moving forward.

The Tournament Operating Requirements Rulebook outlines the rules and regulations governing terms in Counter-Strike esports. It also specifies the process for tournament organizers to obtain an operating license for events ending after December 31, 2024.

“Counter-Strike is at its best when teams compete on a level playing field, and these new rules are part of our commitment to the long-term health of Counter-Strike as a sport. Our goal is to ensure that professional Counter-Strike remains an open sport, where teams are only limited by their ability.” – Valve 

Ranked and unranked events

Valve defines Ranked events as those that contribute to Valve's Regional Standings. These standings are a reference when determining invitations for Valve's various Regional Major Ranking events.

On the flip side, Unranked events are those where the final results do not affect the Valve Regional Major Rankings. These are typically third-party events that do not influence a team's chances of qualifying for the Major.

Unranked events

While hosting a ranked event is restricted with a set of rules, unranked events have more leeway without any restrictions on invitations. However, the total prize pool for individual Unranked events cannot exceed $100,000, and the combined prize pool for all Unranked events hosted by the same licensee within a year cannot exceed $250,000.

As of now, most lower tier Tournament Organizers exceed that amount which gives them two options going forward into the next year; Either adjust their prize pool or apply for Ranked licenses from 2025 and adhere to the comprehensive set of rules.

Tournament tiers

Tournament organizers hosting Tier 1 events must prioritize inviting teams from the top ranks in the Regional Standings. These Tier 1 tournaments require to invite at least sixteen teams, with eight advancing to the Main Event and subsequently to the Playoffs.

To maintain a competitive ecosystem, organizers can invite winners of previous Tier 2 events, creating a pathway for teams from smaller events to compete in higher-tier tournaments.

Tier 2 & Wildcard events

For Tier 2 events, organizers must invite teams ranked below the ninth position in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Additionally, organizers can host Wildcard events, but only after successfully completing three Tier 1 events, ensuring they have the experience and credibility to manage such competitions.

Example: Licensee operated two Global Tier 1 Events, one Asia Tier 1 Event, and one Americas Tier 1 Event. Therefore, every four Wildcard invites must include two Global Wildcards, one Asia Wildcard, and one Americas Wildcard.

Announcement and Publication of Tournament Information

The rulebook also specifies the requirements for announcing tournament details, including the event location, qualifiers, prize pool, and other relevant information. For instance, an announcement by January 1st, 2025 is a must for all Tier 1 events scheduled for 2026, nearly two years in advance. This ensures ample time for planning and preparation by teams and organizers alike.

• For events starting between 1 January, 2025 and 31 December, 2025, the announcement date must be no later than 1 September, 2024.
• For events starting between 1 January, 2026 and 31 December, 2026, the announcement date must be no later than 1 January, 2025.
• For events starting after 31 December, 2026, the announcement date must be at least 24 months prior to the start of the tournament's Main Event.

For Tier 2 Events, the announcement date must be at least 3 months before the start of the tournament's Main Event.

These updates to the Counter-Strike esports framework will improve transparency in the annual schedule. They aim to create a fairer environment for tournament organizers and enhance the overall sustainability of the scene. The full esports calendar for 2025 is set to be unveiled before September, meaning Counter-Strike fans can look forward to numerous announcements in the next few weeks.

Finally, ahead of a packed tournament schedule for 2025, which already includes 23 planned events following announcements from PGL and StarLadder about their return to hosting Counter-Strike events, the new requirements provide an early preview of the upcoming years' calendar.

These updates to the Counter-Strike esports framework aim to enhance transparency in the annual schedule, striving to create a fairer environment for tournament organizers and ensure the scene's long-term sustainability.

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