To Mr. Gabe Newell

The Russian city of Kazan will host on February 19-23, 2024, the Games of the Future event, in the framework of which Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2 tournaments will be held. Prize funds are ensured by organizers and sponsors. As far as we are aware, Valve have not officially granted the organizers the right to use its intellectual property or trademarks. With such actions, the Russians once again demonstrate their disregard for international law and corporate property.

The event enjoys full support from the Russian authorities. The Russian president even signed off the corresponding law (http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202312250038?index=1 and personally supervises media support for the entire event (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDKQcpPy26k ). Such behavior, quite atypical for Putin, testifies to the significance of the event as part of Russia's attempt to break international isolation in which the country found itself after invading Ukraine in February 2022. The Russians seek to make Valve's products part of their propaganda aimed at justifying their aggression on the international arena.

It's not only Russian teams but also those from other countries, including participants of The International 2023, will take part in the said tournaments. Russian authorities believe their participation should contribute to the normalization of the attitude of the international e-sports community toward Russia's aggressive foreign policy.

These are the lists of teams that have declared their intention to participate in the Kazan tournament:

Dota 2:
1. Entity (participant of The International 2023)
2. Azure Ray (participant of The International 2023)
3. Xtreme
4. PSG Quest (participant of The International 2023)
5. LGD (participant of The International 2023)
6. One Move
7. Winter Bear
8. Beastcoast (participant of The International 2023)
9. Echpo4mak
10. G2.iG
11. Neon
12. BOOM
13. L1ga
14. Nigma
15. Hydra
16. Thunder

Counter-Strike 2:
1. HOTU
2. Looking40rg
3. Ramboot R10
4. Zero
5. Donstu Espor
6. Love Kazan
7. Rare Atom
8. xGOD

Of course, Valve cannot directly ban the said teams from participating in the Kazan tournament, although they have other powerful levers they could apply. Since these teams and their members are compromising international competitions with their participation in a questionable tournament, their future involvement in any official international competitions held under Valve's auspices should be prevented. Even the very threat of disqualification from internationally recognized tournaments can push teams to making the right decision, which is to snub any events hosted by Russia.