It seems like at least once a year there’s destined to be a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive tournament that reaches new depths of terrible. In 2015, there was the infamous Gaming Paradise with its disappearing PCs (and confiscated player passports) in Slovenia. This year the Northern Arena tournament in Toronto is staking its own claim.
Four-hour delays and lack of in-game sound are merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the problems Northern Arena has faced on the opening day of their $100,000 event. Poor decisions from admins have also drawn negative tweets from participating players.
Brazilian side Luminosity Gaming also withdrew from the event after suffering visa issues at the Canadian border, leaving them with only three available players.
All in all, Northern Arena clearly has plenty of work to do. Its posted an updated schedule on its website in light of the delays on day one.
The players aren’t the only ones taking to social media to air their frustrations. Fans aren’t happy, either.
The tournament organizers have issued a brief response to issues via twitter.
Northern Arena still isn’t close to the depths of disaster that Gaming Paradise reached. And it still has time to right the ship.
