RLCS org calls out TO for changing travel funding rules for Majors

Ahead of the RLCS 2024 Major 1 in Copenhagen, Team PWR has called out BLAST and Epic Games after funding for the in-person event has reportedly reneged if teams want to boot camp.

The inaugural Rocket League season under BLAST's tenure has already drawn some unwanted attention after there was a severe cut-down on broadcast talent and players have scrutinised the re-jigged format.

But as teams prepare to jet off to Copenhagen, the option of bootcamping seems minimal, as Team PWR's RLCS veteran Daniel "Torsos" Parsons has revealed teams will no longer be allowed to use their allocated funds to arrive in the country early and practice.

Torsos and PWR call out RLCS over travel arrangements

According to a statement provided by Torsos on social media, teams were informed that travel funds would only be permitted to arrive in Copenhagen during a certain time frame, which he dates as being the day before Media Day (so roughly two days before the Major fixtures start).

This is a change from previous years, where the allocated funds would provide for flights at any time during a wider period of days, allowing for teams to arrange their own living quarters for a boot camp period, scrimming against top teams from the new region.

"While bootcamps fiction as a way for players to overcome jetlag, adjust their sleep schedules, and prepare for international competition, there are concerns around the sustainability for minor region and low-budget teams that are being overlooked," Torsos said.

Torsos believes new travel guidelines for RLCS LANs offers disadvantages for 'minor regions'

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Bootcamping for RLCS has been a heated debate this year, as teams from Europe have reaped the rewards of living and breathing together, as opposed to teams around the world who struggle to get closer together given the area of travel.

The Australian veteran, Torsos, whose LAN appearances reach over the double digits mark, believes that not being allowed to boot camp, unless your organisation pays for flights, gives teams from 'minor regions' a disadvantage.

Teams in Europe will also be getting the chance to scrim against these world-championship calibre teams who can afford to arrive early, such as your giants from America like G2 Esports.

In the statement, Torsos also outlined that there was a scare for players' mental well-being, having such a short time period to adjust to such an action-packed schedule.

Noting that ESL, the previous RLCS tournament organisers, were "always open and solution-based to work though", PWR and the roster have now called on BLAST to follow suit.