FURIA Esports explains why the team refused ESL Pro League invite

Fans are conflicted on FURIA Esports’ choice to turn down an invite to ESL Pro League Season 9.

Despite the invite to one of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s largest tournaments, FURIA has chosen to instead play at the DreamHack Open in Rio de Janeiro.

“We work in this way: We make commitments, we fulfill it. Regardless of the profit or loss that this can generate. Great companies, people, and relationships are made of these principles,” FURIA said.

According to FURIA, the team turned down ESL because of “scheduling conflicts,” but they are proud to compete at DreamHack Open.

Some fans felt this was an act of loyalty, and stood up for FURIA’s decision. Since the team is from Brazil, it only seemed fitting that it would compete at the first DreamHack open ever to take place in their home country.

Reddit users noted that this was not only a way to gain more fans in South America, but to potentially win a smaller tournament on home soil. Maybe it wouldn’t show the side’s full potential, but they could become the most dominant team in their home country.

While other fans respected FURIA’s decision not to go back on prior commitments, they felt the organization would gain even more fans and respect by playing against bigger teams in a larger tournament, rather than more easily defeating less qualified teams.

FURIA Esports is a Brazilian esports organization that has been dominating in South America since it was founded in 2017. This year FURIA took first at the Aorus League Brazil Finals and in the ESL Brazil Premier League Season 5. FURIA has also placed first and second in other minor tournaments.

“In a matter of time, we will conquer the EPL spot. Amen! Haste is the enemy of perfection,” FURIA said.