BIG Co-Founder: Valve changed Major rules due to Sashi's actions
Valve has released a major update to their Supplemental Rulebook, prohibiting teams from switching regions up to three months before a Major. As confirmed to HLTV, this rule takes effect immediately, effectively barring BC.Game, Sashi, and WW from qualifying for the PGL Singapore Major.
The situation is critical for the affected teams: Valve stated that they are disqualified from the Major run unless they "reach out and find a solution." Such direct intervention is unusual for Valve, who typically maintain a hands-off approach during the qualification process.
According to BIG co-founder Tom J. Lemke, this regulatory shift was a direct response to recent moves by Sashi. Writing on X, Lemke claimed that Valve explicitly told him that Sashi's actions were "the straw that broke the camel's back," specifically citing the issue of dual citizenship.
The controversy stems from Sashi's recent announcement regarding the signing of Tynan "TjP" Purtell and Jordan "Hatz" Bajic on short-term contracts. It was also revealed that Anton "Anlelele" Huynh holds Vietnamese citizenship, rather than Danish citizenship as previously listed on HLTV and Liquipedia. These maneuvers would have allowed Sashi to reclassify as an APAC team, opening a path to secure one of the five Asian slots at the PGL Singapore Major. The move faced heavy criticism for being opportunistic, and Valve's decision suggests a new stance on ensuring teams represent their regions long-term.
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