Valve will rework its failed sticker system at the Major, according to the CEO of FiReSPORTS. The company will organize the next Major in Argentina.
Why does this matter? Stickers are a key source of income for teams, players and tournament organizers. Therefore, any change to their rules affects the whole Counter-Strike scene.
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Why the New Sticker System Failed
Valve recently changed how Major stickers work. Because of lawsuits over “loot boxes,” the company dropped random capsules and replaced them with “tokens.” As a result, the system lost its random element, and this became one of the main reasons it failed.
In addition, Valve made a 50/50 revenue split between a club and its players mandatory. Previously, these shares were set individually in contracts. Finally, sticker sales have slowed down and almost stopped. For the first time, Valve did not hold its traditional sale at the end of the tournament.
FiReSPORTS CEO Expects Changes in Singapore
Rodrigo Figueroa Reyes is the CEO of FiReSPORTS. In an interview with Dust2 Brasil, he said that the Argentine government is actively helping to organize the event. He also answered questions about the stickers.
In his view, Valve will introduce a new system as early as the Major in Singapore. He added that by 2027 the system will definitely return to normal.
He believes that PGL owner Silviu will help bring about this improvement together with Valve and Steam. According to Reyes, Silviu has a very close relationship with Valve.
Reyes also said that FiReSPORTS stays in regular contact with Valve. He explained that the company talks to Valve often and asks for its advice. In his words:
I think they will adjust the sticker issue now in Singapore. Silviu, the owner of PGL, has a very close relationship with Valve, and I am sure he will manage, together with Valve and Steam, to make this better. When we get to Buenos Aires, we will have the same values as before. We have a direct line with Valve, we talk a lot and we consult them. After the Major and Singapore, the Steam people will hate us, because from day one we will start trying to understand what they will do about the stickers. The success of the stickers is important for the community, the players and the organizer.
Why the Sticker Fix Matters
Overall, Reyes’ comments suggest that organizers are already pushing Valve for changes. Moreover, the Major in Singapore will likely be the first real test of any new approach.
Finally, the stakes are high for everyone involved. Clubs need stable income, players want fair shares, and organizers rely on healthy sticker sales. If Valve fixes the system, the Buenos Aires Major in 2027 could start with the same conditions as before.
