In this very tournament there are no Russians at all, but it is important to make a mark. I remember Virtus Pro, where in 2022 a Russian player drew a big Z on the minimap. The team was excluded, but was back in 2023 as if nothing had happened.

It was an internal meeting of the the International Esports Federation (IESF) where a vote was taken. There is no official confirmation or statement about it. But the Russian Esports Federation (RESF) has claimed in a statement approval has been granted for players to compete at IESF's competitions under their own flag.

Here is an article about it: https://esportsinsider.com/2023/08/iesf-votes-to-lift-restrictions-on-russian-players-russian-esports-federation

The statement claims 32 delegates voted in favour of Russia’s re-admittance, while 13 voted against and 25 abstained. Russia’s statement additionally claimed that a separate proposal put forward by Ukraine’s esports federation to suspend Russia’s esports federation from IESF entirely was rejected.

Pskov is located very far in the north, near Lithuania and Estonia. I am curious whether they will try to blame NATO for this,

Yes, this is sad.

Try Liftoff or Connect App.

"The Special" (2020). I would really like to forget this movie and I recommend you NOT to watch it!