Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy, one of the most stable and intelligent players on the modern Counter-Strike scene, will not be able to participate in IEM Dallas 2025. The reason — a denied U.S. visa. This comes as a significant blow not only to the player himself, but also to the BC.Game team, who had placed high hopes on their debut LAN tournament with the new lineup.
Direct quote from Perfecto’s Telegram:
“I guess I can’t make it to Dallas. I’ve never had issues with other visas, only this one, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”
This brief but emotionally charged comment says it all — the issue lies not in internal team management or logistics, but in external circumstances that the player simply cannot control.
BC.Game in crisis: who will face MOUZ?
The BC.Game roster, which made headlines after bringing in experienced players like es3tag and felps, is now facing an urgent challenge: with less than three days before their opening match against MOUZ, they need to find a new fifth player. Perfecto was originally meant to fill that role — a player whose presence would’ve brought consistency, experience, and calm decision-making in high-pressure moments.
To make things worse, IEM Dallas was supposed to mark BC.Game’s first offline appearance since their major rebrand and roster overhaul. Losing a high-caliber player like Perfecto just days before the event is a severe setback to their preparation, team chemistry, and potential performance.
Visa issues: Perfecto might also miss the Austin Major
Besides IEM Dallas, Perfecto’s participation in the upcoming Austin Major is also in doubt — a tournament poised to be the crown jewel of the summer CS2 season. According to the player, he’s registered as an official substitute with Team Falcons, but after this failed visa attempt, his confidence in getting entry to Texas has dropped.
“They promised I’d get the visa for the Major, but honestly, I don’t believe it.”
These aren’t just the words of a disappointed player. They highlight a systemic problem affecting international competitors — especially those from countries with strained diplomatic ties with the United States.
Community reaction: frustration, sadness, and heated debate
The news of Perfecto’s absence from IEM Dallas 2025 sparked strong reactions across the esports community. On forums and social media, users expressed both sympathy for the player and doubts about his current form.
“Sad day for CS,” — wrote bladee on the HLTV forums, capturing the mood of many fans who had hoped to see Perfecto return to LAN action.
Other comments showed strong support for Ilya, praising his impact on the game and lamenting his exclusion:
“Perfecto is one of the smartest and most reliable players in CS. He deserves to play on big stages,” — said lokkiN.
However, not everyone was convinced. Some questioned his current shape due to a prolonged absence from the competitive spotlight:
“Perfecto isn’t as good as he used to be. There are better stand-in options,” — argued hAdji.
That comment sparked pushback from other users defending Perfecto’s track record and consistency:
“What are you talking about? He’s still better than most anchors on the pro scene. Just because he hasn’t played officials doesn’t mean he forgot how to play,” — replied keyboard_user.
These discussions highlight how significant Perfecto remains in the eyes of the community — a symbol of reliability, tactical discipline, and high-level experience. His absence not only weakens BC.Game but also deprives fans of one of the most dependable players in recent CS history.
Broader context: U.S. visas and esports
This isn’t the first time players have been blocked from participating in U.S. events due to visa issues. The problem, which dates back to the pandemic and has worsened with geopolitical tensions, especially affects players from Russia, Belarus, and parts of Eastern Europe.
While tournament organizers often promise “expedited processing” and assistance with paperwork, the reality on the ground often falls short. These barriers hit hardest for players already trying to rebuild or re-establish themselves — such as Perfecto, whose stint with Cloud9 ended in early 2024.
What’s next?
- BC.Game: The team now has to scramble for a replacement, likely a less experienced player, which could severely affect their chances against a strong opponent like MOUZ.
- Perfecto: Still in limbo — with no guarantee of participation, no stable roster spot, and no way to attend U.S.-based events.
- The CS2 scene: Once again reminded that professional esports isn’t just about skill — it’s also subject to geopolitics, diplomacy, and borders.
The Perfecto situation is a symptom of a deeper issue in modern esports: even when you’re in top form, with a team behind you and tournaments on the horizon, international politics can block your path. For Ilya, it’s another career setback. For BC.Game, it’s a massive challenge. And for the CS2 community, it’s yet another reminder that visa barriers remain one of the game’s most frustrating and unresolved problems — even in 2025.
