Moist Esports, co-owned by YouTuber MoistCr1tikal, Ludwig, and SuperSpicyMatt, faces unexpected hurdles in their journey to esports success. The team’s plan to move to Florida has hit a snag due to complications in the U.S. visa application process for their Apex Legends squad.
Visa Applications Declined
- Application Denied: Moist Esports’ Apex Legends team’s U.S. visa applications have been declined.
- Forced Move to Canada: The team will now compete in the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) from Canada for several months.
Criticisms of the Visa Process
- MoistCr1tikal’s Frustration: In a recent livestream, MoistCr1tikal expressed his dissatisfaction with the visa process, describing it as “cringe” and the visa agent as a “fossil” with no understanding of esports.
- Agent’s Lack of Esports Insight: The visa agent reportedly failed to recognize the team’s global achievements in esports, despite their top 10 finishes and online presence.
Team’s Esports Achievements
- Top Global Performances: Moist Esports has consistently finished in the top 10 in global tournaments, including the 2023 ALGS Split One and Two Playoffs.
- EA Partnership: They are one of EA’s partnered teams for Year Four.
Team Composition and Background
- Original Members: Matthew “Emtee” Trengove and Ben “Wxltzy” Walton from the original Team Burger, both Australian nationals.
- New Addition: Former NRG player Gild from the USA.
Preparation for ALGS Pro League
- Starting Date: The ALGS Pro League begins on January 20.
- Adapting to New Conditions: The team must acclimatize to the Canadian climate and play without access to Moist Esports’ Florida facilities.
Challenges in the U.S. Visa Process for Esports
The challenges faced by Moist Esports highlight the complexities and misunderstandings surrounding esports in traditional visa processes. As the team relocates to Canada to continue competing, they embody the resilience and adaptability of esports professionals. Their situation underscores the need for greater recognition and understanding of esports in immigration policies.