“I don’t make the rules”: ohnePixel responds to criticism at the RMR
DRILLAS is only one Bo3 victory away from qualifying for the Perfect Major in Shanghai. But should their path have been harder?
Despite fielding four non-Asian players, DRILLAS is competing in the Asian RMR for the upcoming Shanghai Major.
This unusual situation has raised questions from the CS community, due to the ohnePixel-backed team now participating in the – on paper, much easier – Asian RMR instead of the more challenging European event.
Leading up to the tournament, DRILLAS announced a roster change, replacing Israeli rifler Meytar "AMSALEM" Amsalem with Sener "SENER1" Mahmuti. A substitution that leaves them with a majority of Europeans.
ohnePixel speaks out
In response to community backlash, ohnePixel, addressed the matter in an interview with HLTV, clarifying that DRILLAS’ roster and qualification route align with existing rules.
- At the end of the day, do we make the rules? No. I signed a team, I wanted to be involved and support some guys who otherwise wouldn't have the chance to go to a Major. Maybe get a sticker in the game, but that's not the main goal anymore: I want to see the boys happy, it's just fun to be involved. It's more than the sticker now, ohnePixel stated.
"Why is it possible?"
When asked if he could understand the criticism, ohnePixel said the following to HLTV:
- Yes and no, again, because I was saying my side. I don't make the rules, the rules are a little bit... question: Why is it possible, first of all? That's all now changing so the topic of discussion won't be needed anymore with no open qualifiers. I don't know... there's a chance to make it to the Major. I want to have a chance, the boys want to have a chance, we follow the rules. If you don't like it, I do understand but we play the game, they play the game... what do you think?
DRILLAS qualified for the Asian RMR through the Middle Eastern qualifier, because they at that time had two Israeli players and the fact that Ali "hAdji" Hainouss holds a dual citizenship (France and Morocco).
ohnePixel and company are only one victory away from securing a spot at the Major, following their opening-round-win over Lynn Vision this Monday.
You can watch the entire interview with ohnePixel down below.