Visa roadblocks strike ALGS Championship: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

As the Apex Legends Global Series Championship 2023 gears up for an action-packed showdown in Birmingham, U.K., the competitive gaming community is once again grappling with the recurring issue of visa complications affecting players’ travel plans.

Throughout the competitive year, visa issues have forced teams to play substitute players during key moments. Two prominent teams, Alliance and Aurora Gaming, are the latest victims of these visa woes. Both organizations, hailing from the EMEA region, have found themselves in the unenviable position of having to rely on substitutes for some or all of the championship matches.

Alliance, known for its dominance in the EMEA region, achieved first place in the second split of the Pro League and secured a ninth-place finish at the Split 2 Playoff LAN earlier this year. However, their star player, Miron “Effect” Novikov, has been unable to secure his visa in time for the championship. In his place, the team has called upon TSM content creator Mikkel “Mande” Hestbek to step up to the challenge.

Short #ALGS update

🔹 Mande will start the group stage as our sub

🔸 Effect will come if we get VISA news before Friday

🔹 A prize cut split is already in agreement between Effect/Mande

The squad is confident no matter who plays, time to bring it home! 🏆 #LongLiveAlliance pic.twitter.com/Ni08LLZChI

— Alliance | Pontus 🏌🏼‍♂️ (@chefPontus) September 4, 2023

 

Meanwhile, Aurora Gaming is facing an even more substantial setback, as they are potentially missing the key members of their starting roster. Their star player Lev “taskmast33r” Grigoriev has not received his visa, leaving his participation in doubt. Stepping in for him is  Keenan “Tax” Mackey from Myztro Gaming.

Welcome to ALGS: Championship 2023 😎

Due to visa issues, we had to invite substitutes to participate in the Champs. Thanks to @Taxington and @UxakoTTV for help.

Important note: if @9impu1se & @taskmast33r can get a visa before/during ALGS, they will arrive and play. pic.twitter.com/YEIqGTvOlm

— Aurora Apex (@AuroraApex_GG) September 5, 2023

 

The frustration surrounding these visa complications is not new to the Apex Legends competitive scene. Earlier in the year, during the Split 2 Playoffs in Stockholm, Sweden, several players were also unable to attend due to similar issues. These challenges have impacted not just the players, but also left the fans feeling disappointed.

The situation has forced teams like Alliance and Aurora Gaming to adapt to the circumstances and rely on substitutes who may not be as familiar with the team’s strategies and dynamics. Unfortunately, Fire Beavers, another affected team, had to withdraw entirely from the championship since none of their players received their visas in time.

Despite the setbacks, both Alliance and Aurora Gaming will participate in the event, demonstrating their determination to compete at the highest level of Apex Legends esports. The Apex Legends Global Series Championship 2023 is poised to be the culmination of a year-long circuit, featuring 40 top-tier teams from around the world battling it out for a share of the impressive $2 million prize pool.

Header: Joe Brady/Apex Legends Esports