StarLadder Removes Rollbit Logo From Referee Shirts After Backlash at CS2 Budapest Major

StarLadder Removes Rollbit Logo From Referee Shirts After Backlash at CS2 Budapest Major

StarLadder has removed the large Rollbit gambling logo from referee shirts at the Budapest CS2 Major 2025 following days of backlash from esports talent, admins, players and fans. The change was first spotted by viewers after Cybersport.ru reported that the tournament quietly updated the referee uniforms during Stage 1.

The Rollbit branding—criticized for turning referees into “walking ads”—remains on stage elements such as player chairs, signage and screens, but is no longer displayed on officials’ clothing.

How the Controversy Started

The backlash began on Day 1 when referees entered the stage wearing shirts dominated by a giant Rollbit logo.
Key community reactions included:

• Janka “JanicKa” Vorčáková, StarLadder’s own head referee, who called the design “insane” and said referees shouldn’t be used as sponsor billboards.

• Former BLAST operations manager Graham Pitt, who questioned the practice and called it exploitative.

• Referee Marcus “Mod645” Mod, who sparked the debate by posting photos mocking the oversized logo.

The issue became a flashpoint due to Twitch’s strict rules against gambling promotion. Twitch later clarified that the Rollbit sponsorship is allowed only as physical, on-site branding, not as overlays or direct promotion on the broadcast—fueling debate about optics and consistency.

A Major Already Plagued by Issues

The referee-shirt controversy arrived during an already chaotic event:

• Severe broadcast problems on Day 1 forced StarLadder to issue a public apology for stream instability, delays and audio issues.

• A casino-sponsor protest at the venue saw attendees wearing Imperial jerseys and holding signs, echoing a similar incident at the previous Major.

• Players also commented on delays: Astralis star blameF said admins gave repeated “five-minute” estimates with no real timeline, while others praised their teams’ performances despite the turmoil.

Why This Matters

Budapest is StarLadder’s first CS Major since 2019 and one of the first under Valve’s new, more flexible event-licensing model. Community analysts warn that allowing sponsor logos on referee uniforms could set a dangerous precedent for future Majors.

By removing the Rollbit logo from officials’ shirts, StarLadder appears to have acknowledged community concerns — even while keeping Rollbit as the Major’s official betting partner.