The International Looking for New Venue Because Sweden Thinks Esports Are Not Sports

The International Sweden? Cancelled!

Valve is now looking to relocate The International 10 to Europe following refusal from Sweden.

According to reports, the Swedish government declined to give recognition to the tournament.

The Swedish government said that they do not recognize esports as sports.

Originally, TI10 was to be held in Avicii arena from August 5 to 15.

In a social media post by Dota 2, they disclosed that the Swedish government refused to recognize The International as an ‘elite sporting event’.

Hence, the refusal meant denial of visa for travel to the country.

Additionally, Valve explained that reassured the developers that The International is “qualified for the same exemptions other elite sporting events there received”.

Valve however disclosed that despite reassurances, Swedish Sports Federation still voted to deny recognition to the tournament.

“In subsequent (and immediate) meetings with the Swedish Esports Federation (SESF) and Visit Stockholm we discovered our only remaining option was to ask Sweden’s Minister of the Interior to reclassify The International – Dota 2 Championships as an elite sporting event. Our request was immediately denied. We filed an appeal directly with the Swedish government on June 9, but they were unable to provide assistance. On June 14 we followed up asking them to reconsider, and they have so far been unable to offer a resolution,” Valve told.

As of this moment, Valve is yet to announce the next option for the TI’s venue.

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