The B8 team announced its refusal to participate in the FISSURE Playground #1 tournament. This was reported through the organization's official Telegram channel. The decision was final after lengthy deliberations and consultations with fans, as the tournament, which will take place from July 15 to 20 in Belgrade, Serbia, is supported by Russian bookmaker BetBoom, which raised reputational concerns.

B8 justified its decision by stating that participation in a tournament associated with a Russian sponsor could negatively affect their reputation, especially given the geopolitical context and the organization's position on such partnerships.

Fan Voting and Context
Earlier, B8 Esports launched a fan poll on participation in FISSURE Playground #1 after receiving an invitation to this tier-1 tournament. Despite the high level of competition and significant points in the Valve Ranking System (VRS), the organization expressed doubts due to its connection with a Russian sponsor. FISSURE, the tournament organizer, was founded in 2022 in Yerevan but later moved to Belgrade, although its management consists of Russian citizens.

A vote on the B8 Telegram channel showed that most fans supported participation, but a significant number were against it. However, given the reputational risks and association with a Russian sponsor, B8 decided to decline, risking losing VRS points that affect invitations to future tier-1 tournaments.

Consequences for the team
The refusal may affect B8 's position in the VRS ranking, potentially jeopardizing their achievements over the past six months, as points from such tournaments are important for direct invitations.

B8 is currently preparing for their match at BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 Stage 2, where they will face their opponent on June 7. This match has become an important test for the team, which is now focusing on other tournaments where the reputational risks are lower.

The refusal to participate in FISSURE Playground #1 may also affect their chances of being invited to other major competitions, as VRS points are a critical factor for participation in top tournaments. However, they will maintain their reputation among Ukrainian fans.

Community reaction
B8 's decision sparked heated debate among fans and experts. Some supported the organization for its principled stance, believing that reputation is more important than short-term points.

Others, however, criticized the choice, arguing that the loss of VRS points could harm the team's long-term prospects. The community also noted that such situations are becoming increasingly common, with teams facing a choice between sporting achievements and ethical considerations.