Valve Changes CS2 Tournament Rules — Equal Conditions for Players and Ban on Exclusive Contracts

Valve has updated the rules for organizing CS2 tournaments, significantly tightening control over tournament operators. Companies that host competitions must now provide teams with equal living conditions, transparent financial schemes, and avoid conflicts of interest.

Background
Previously, organizers had more freedom in choosing conditions for teams. For example, BLAST often accommodated participants in different hotels, which could affect comfort and preparation before matches. However, Valve now requires that all participants at the same tournament stage receive identical accommodations, meals, training areas, and technical support.

What has changed in the new rules?
One of the key innovations is the ban on exclusive contracts that restrict teams from participating in other tournaments. Now, tournament operators cannot prevent players and organizations from competing in other events, except when they are already at the lan tournament venue on its official dates.

Additionally, tournament operators can no longer treat participants differently. If a company shares revenue or provides financial support, these terms must be the same for all teams, regardless of whether they received an invite or qualified. Even if differences are possible, they must be based on objective criteria, such as the team's match popularity or ranking.

Valve also requires full transparency in business relationships between organizers and teams. If a tournament operator has financial or managerial ties with any organization, they must disclose this information and obtain Valve's approval. Otherwise, the operator risks being required to resolve the conflict of interest within two weeks or face contract termination with Valve.

Possible Consequences
These changes could affect all major tournaments, especially those where differences in conditions for teams were previously observed. Organizers will have to either change their policies or risk losing the right to host Valve game tournaments. Meanwhile, the new rules may reduce the risk of behind-the-scenes deals and increase competitive fairness.

Valve has taken strict control over esports tournaments, establishing rigorous standards for living conditions, finances, and conflicts of interest. Organizers must now comply with the new rules or risk losing the right to host competitions.