Industry voices warn that the reduced sticker revenue and volatile economics may force salary adjustments and could ultimately threaten CS esports diversity and long-term sustainability.

Aurora founder expresses sharp dissatisfaction, calling this the worst Major for sticker sales and reflecting broader discontent within the community.

The new system risks widening the gap between tier-1 and tier-2/3 organizations, potentially harming smaller teams that relied on Major sticker revenues to fund infrastructure and travel.

Early revenue reports from Cologne show substantially lower payouts than Budapest, with Stage 1 teams around $60,000 (pre-split) and Stage 2 teams about $120,000, indicating a sharp drop in Major income.

Valve acknowledges a shift away from capsules and is exploring direct sticker purchases to broaden participation, but regulatory concerns and market realities make a quick return to capsules unlikely.

Uncertainty remains about further changes before the next Major, with stakeholders hoping for adjustments to restore financial incentives for teams outside the top tier.

New pricing dynamics have driven up sticker costs, reduced global trade, and created disparities that exclude many regular fans from engaging with Major stickers.

Some organizations, like Gaimin Gladiators, paused or exited CS division operations due to the Major ecosystem changes and revenue structure, underscoring caution in the scene.

Contract negotiations around salaries and bonuses have become ambiguous or void due to the mandatory 50-50 player-teams split, creating financial uncertainty for players and organizations.