ESL Pro League bans CS:GO Negev use ‘until further notice’
Esports organization ESL has announced it is banning the use of the recently tweaked Negev gun in its Counter-Strike: Global Offensive ESL Pro League tournament “until further notice.” According to ESL’s post on Twitter, the decision was made in consultation with the WESA Players Council.
In cooperation with the WESA Players Council it's been decided to ban the Negev from #ESLProLeague until further notice.
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) April 13, 2017
WESA, or the World Esports Association, is an esports association founded by ESL and various esports teams including Fnatic, Natus Vincere, Team EnVyUs, Virtus.pro, G2 Esports, Mousesports, and Ninjas in Pyjamas.
The controversial CS:GO update was released by Valve on Wednesday evening. It brought the price of the Negev gun down from $5,700 to $2,000 and re-introduced it to Competitive Matchmaking. The R8 Revolver was also brought down from $850 to $700 and re-introduced to competitive play. According to the developer, the addition of the guns is only temporary and part of an experimental period.
ESL Pro League Season 5 is currently underway and will finish in mid-May. Following a partnership announcement in January, Seasons 5 and 6 will be streamed exclusively on YouTube Gaming.