After Alliance missed their flight to Starladder due to snow, they were initially replaced with PowerRangers. However, the Starladder organisers managed to rework the schedule so that Alliance could compete in the event.
Recent events have undoubtedly left the stress levels of Alliance, their support staff, and the administrators of Starladder in unhealthy territory. Troubles began when the Swedish outfit missed their flight to Minsk due to snow. Despite trying desperately to make alternate travel plans, Alliance were told that they were to be replaced by Power Rangers. However, while the Alliance were securing passage to Minsk, the Starladder organisers were able to reschedule the entire event to allow Alliance to participate as intended.
Alliance headed to the airport where they had been booked to depart for the Starladder LAN finals in high spirits.
However, these quickly turned to dismay, as their flight had been cancelled due to a snowstorm in Belarus. Jonothan ‘Loda’ Berg was the first to inform the Dota community of their troubles.
While Alliance were attempting to make alternate arrangements to travel to the LAN finals, they were informed by the Starladder organisers that they had been replaced at the event by Power Rangers. This was reportedly due to teams being unwilling to reschedule their games against Alliance in order to allow them to compete.
The Alliance crew were understandably disappointed and frustrated at the turn of events, which had come without their consultation. Nevertheless, they did not stop their travel, and continued their discussions with Valve and the Starladder team.
After several hours of back-and-forth, it was announced that Alliance would be allowed to participate in the LAN finals after all. This was met with relief and happiness from fans, players, and administrators alike.
Many are already calling this chain of events the first major drama of the year, and with good cause. Luckily, an amicable arrangement was possible, and Alliance will be able to compete as initially intended. They will likely have added fire in their hearts from this ordeal, and will hit the ground running to show the organisers what they almost missed out on by replacing them. With the drama behind us, we as the Dota community can look forward to the coming day’s play in the Starladder LAN finals with eager anticipation. They may have been able to win the battle to compete in Starladder, but can Alliance conquer the rest of the field as they conquered bureaucracy? All eyes will be on Minsk to find out.
Headline image from Helena Kristiansson
