Valve delivered a major shakeup to the competitive Counter-Strike scene on June 26, 2025, with the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) latest update. This move introduces a new MENA sub-region within the European standings and repositions teams and players based on updated regional assignments. The result is significant shifts for iconic rosters like Team Liquid and JiJieHao, adjustments to roster composition rules, new guidelines for match forfeit rules, and prize money calculation changes that will impact team invitations and global rankings in Counter-Strike esports.
MENA sub-region adds depth to European standings
Among the highlights in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) latest update is the creation of a dedicated MENA sub-region. Countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—previously listed under Asia or other regions—now compete within European rankings. This regional reassignment brings nations like Israel (representing Team Liquid’s NertZ) under Europe, altering both team trajectories and how roster compositions are evaluated for major events.
Roster composition rules reflect real team identity
Valve’s choice to emphasize actual roster makeup in the VRS latest update brings fairness to team representation. Teams are now ranked by the regions most aligned to where the majority of their roster comes from, rather than historic or arbitrary assignments. As a direct outcome, organizations like Team Liquid, now with an Israeli majority following their latest signings, officially join the European competitive pool. JiJieHao, a notable Asian contender, shifts from a strong 6th in Asia to 29th in Europe—demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the new MENA sub-region.
Match forfeit rules and competitive integrity
The Valve Regional Standings (VRS) latest update also tweaks how forfeits are handled. Moving forward, a forfeit will count as a loss in the same way as a match defeat, ensuring all teams are treated equally and competitive integrity is preserved. This change closes possible loopholes and raises the stakes for every official match, responding to feedback from teams and fans across the Counter-Strike esports ecosystem.
Prize money calculation now includes club revenue
Another key element of this VRS update is the revised approach to prize money calculation. Event winnings will now factor in club revenue earned at major tournaments from leading organizers such as ESL FACEIT Group and Esports World Cup. By integrating these sources into the official VRS standings, Valve aligns its leaderboard methodology with the realities of modern Counter-Strike esports economics.
Implications for teams, players, and tournament invitations
These comprehensive updates to regional reassignment, roster composition, and competitive rules are set to alter the landscape of tournament invitations and qualifications. Teams may find themselves facing new rivals, recalibrating strategies to remain on top of the Counter-Strike scene, or adjusting to the MENA sub-region’s unique challenges. As a result, the VRS latest update will influence not only the current rankings but also reshape the roadmap to future Majors and international showdowns.
A new era of Valve Regional Standings
The Valve Regional Standings (VRS) latest update positions the ecosystem for a more accurate hierarchy that better reflects the true makeup and competitiveness of global Counter-Strike teams. With the addition of the MENA sub-region, the reworked roster and forfeit rules, and prize money calculations accounting for club revenue, both established giants and hungry up-and-comers must adapt quickly to stay relevant.
Frequently asked questions about Valve Regional Standings (VRS) latest update (FAQ)
Which countries now belong to the MENA sub-region in VRS?
The MENA sub-region includes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
How does the VRS update affect Team Liquid and JiJieHao?
Team Liquid, owing to its Israeli-majority roster, moves to the European standings. JiJieHao shifts from 6th in Asia to 29th in Europe, changing its competitive landscape and invitation paths.
What’s changed with match forfeit rules?
All forfeits are now treated as standard losses in the VRS, ensuring teams cannot benefit from strategic forfeiting.
How is tournament prize money calculated after the update?
The calculation now includes club revenue from major events hosted by organizations like ESL FACEIT Group and Esports World Cup, offering a more comprehensive view of team success.
Why did Valve introduce these changes in the VRS latest update?
The updates aim to represent team regions more accurately, enforce roster fairness, preserve match integrity, and better reflect actual tournament revenue on the leaderboards.
Sources to this article
- Valve Corporation (2025) VRS Update: June 26, 2025, Valve Regional Standings Documentation.
- ESL FACEIT Group (2025) Event Integration and Prize Money Reports.
- Esports World Cup (2025) Official Event Data Release.
