BanKs on Valve’s new rules: “I’m sure some people are already looking for the next loophole.”
In the latest episode of the All About Counter-Strike podcast, host James “BanKs” Banks criticized a statement by MOUZ co-founder Tom J. Lemke regarding the reasons behind Valve’s rule changes and commented on the situation surrounding BC.Game Esports, and assessed the new restrictions on changing VRS regions.
On Tom J. Lemke’s statement
By the way, some idiot posted this tweet: “After talking to Valve, they explained to me that the situation with Sashi Esport—specifically, the players’ dual citizenship—was the last straw.” Let me say right away that I know this person; he often spreads falsehoods about the esports industry. I don’t believe for a second that he spoke with Valve. He’s just lying for likes. Other people have actually spoken with Valve—for example, representatives from HLTV, as well as several teams. So I’m practically 100 percent certain that this person didn’t speak to anyone and didn’t receive any answers.
About BC.Game Esports
That said, I do agree with that tweet to some extent. It was precisely the situation with Sashi Esports that made Valve take notice and wonder what was actually going on. We’ve touched on this topic before and discussed that there’s no problem with BC.Game Esports going to a Major as long as asap is on the roster. The roster also already includes two Mongolian players who have played for Asian teams throughout their careers. So the decision wasn’t made simply because it’s the Asian region, but because the roster includes mzinho and Senzu—two incredible players who have already competed in a Major Grand Final, finished in the top 8 at a Major, and are extremely skilled.
On Valve’s new rules
I like the new rules. For those who aren’t very familiar with the topic, let me remind you: a roster can be assigned to a specific region only if it hasn’t appeared in another region’s VRS ranking during the previous three calendar months. Yes, it’s not a perfect solution to the problem, but it’s a good one. It’s likely that even this rule could be exploited. I’m sure some teams are already looking for the next loophole.
Previously, Valve made changes to the rules for determining teams’ regional affiliation in the VRS rankings, introducing a three-month restriction on changing regions. However, the developers allowed for exceptions and subsequently permitted BC.Game Esports to qualify for an invitation to the PGL Major Singapore 2026 as a team from Asia.
Photo by Sebastian Pandelache, PGL.
