CS2 Pro zorte Reveals Rejected “Slavic Core” Sticker for IEM Cologne Major 2026

BetBoom Team sniper Aleksandr 'zorte' Zagodyrenko has revealed that one of his autograph sticker concepts for the IEM Cologne Major 2026 was rejected by Valve before the release of the new CS2 Major stickers.

The Russian AWPer shared the unused design on social media after the official sticker update went live in Counter-Strike 2. According to the player, Valve declined the updated version and instead used the autograph from the previous Major.

zorte Criticises Valve Over Rejected CS2 Sticker

In a post highlighted by Cybersport.ru, zorte said his new sticker featured a more distinctive “Slavic” style. The player jokingly described the concept as “Slavic Core zorte,” but expressed disappointment that the design was rejected so late in the submission process.

According to zorte, Valve did not provide enough time for players to create replacement versions before the final sticker set was locked in for the tournament update.

The situation quickly sparked discussion among CS2 fans, especially as autograph stickers remain one of the most popular cosmetic items in the game’s esports ecosystem.

Another CS2 Pro Also Had Sticker Rejected

zorte is not the only player affected by the approval process ahead of the IEM Cologne Major 2026.

PARIVISION player Ivan 'zweih' Gogin also revealed that Valve rejected his updated autograph design. Like zorte, zweih said the company reverted to an older sticker version instead of using the newly submitted artwork.

The incident has fuelled wider community discussion about how Valve moderates and approves player-generated sticker designs in CS2.

Valve Introduced Major Changes to CS2 Stickers

Valve officially released the IEM Cologne Major 2026 stickers and Pick’Em update on May 22. The update introduced major changes to how stickers are sold in CS2.

Instead of traditional sticker capsules, players can now directly purchase specific autographs and team stickers through a new token-based Major store system. The updated model replaces randomised capsule openings with individual purchases tied to market-style pricing.

According to HLTV, Valve also adjusted the revenue-sharing structure for Major sticker sales. Half of the revenue will now go to participating teams, while distribution is partially based on Valve Regional Standings and final tournament placement.

m0NESY, XANTARES and Other Players Added Hidden References

Despite the controversy around rejected stickers, several players included unique references and personal details in their approved designs.

Ilya 'm0NESY' Osipov said his autograph contains a tribute to Oleksandr 's1mple' Kostyliev, describing it as “a sign of respect” to the player who inspired him professionally.

Other standout sticker concepts include:

• Ismailcan 'XANTARES' Dörtkardeş adding family initials to his autograph
• Janusz 'Snax' Pogorzelski referencing his famous ESL One New York 2016 play
• Brazilian in-game leader Rodrigo 'biguzera' Bittencourt using artwork created by his daughter

These details have helped the new Major stickers gain significant traction across the CS2 community and social media.

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Begins in June

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 will take place in Germany from June 2 to June 21, featuring 32 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool.

The tournament is expected to be one of the biggest esports events of the year for Counter-Strike 2, with the new sticker system already becoming a major topic among professional players and fans alike.