While most teams chase ranking points and invitations to major tournaments, Ukrainian esports organization B8 made an unexpected choice — they withdrew from FISSURE Playground #1. The reason? A matter of principle, which the team placed above potential competitive advantages.
A Bold Move from a Legendary Team
In the world of professional esports—where rankings, sponsorships, and VRS points often define a team’s future—Ukrainian organization B8 has made a strikingly principled decision. After engaging with their community, the team chose not to participate in the FISSURE Playground #1 tournament, despite its tier-1 status and significance in the VRS ranking system.
This step became possible thanks to the organization’s openness to feedback and transparency in decision-making. As stated in their official message:
Friends, thank you so much for your feedback on our poll about participating in FISSURE Playground #1. Your opinion means a lot to us!
Why It Matters
FISSURE Playground #1 is part of the VRS tournament ecosystem, where teams accumulate points crucial for securing invitations to major international events. Choosing not to attend essentially means giving up a competitive advantage, while other teams continue to gain ground.
However, ethics and reputation took priority for B8. While the team hasn’t publicly stated the exact reasons for the boycott, the decision was clearly made with serious consideration.
Community Voice: Support and Admiration
Following the announcement, B8 was met with an outpouring of support across social media. Players, fans, and fellow esports participants praised the team’s integrity:
- Miniaylo: “Legends ”
- Professor (NAVI): “Well done, boys ”
- Stepan: “Great decision!!!!”
- Kostia: “Those points aren’t worth it”
- Vovk: “Respect”
- Viktor Tkachenko: “Even more respect ”
- Hollow: “Very strong decision”
- N.V.: “Would’ve loved to see 68 wreck the ‘Serbs’ and take their points and prizes ”
- Nya: “Wonderful decision, you’ll earn those points back in Cologne!”
What stands out is that support didn’t just come from fans—it came from other esports professionals as well. This sets an important precedent: when morality triumphs over opportunity, the community notices—and values it.
What’s Next for B8?
Despite forgoing potential VRS points, B8 isn’t backing down. In fact, the team hinted that an announcement is coming soon about their participation in an even more prestigious tournament.
This opens the door to new opportunities, future invites, and a stronger reputation—not just as a skilled team, but as a principled and respected organization.
Ukrainian Integrity in Esports
At a time when compromises are often the norm, B8’s move feels like a breath of fresh air in pro esports. They’ve shown that even in a high-stakes environment, it’s possible to stay true to one’s values, listen to the fans, and make responsible choices. This case might serve as a valuable example for other teams, who too often become hostages of sponsorship deals, ranking pressures, or organizer expectations.
B8 is more than just a team—they are a symbol of a new era in Ukrainian esports. And the community sees it. And supports it.
