Multiple CSGO Twitch streamers banned, reportedly for restreaming Berlin Major

Alan Bernal

The CSGO community on Twitch is experiencing a bizarre ban-wave as huge broadcasters are having their channels taken down amid the StarLadder 2019 Berlin Major.

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The second Major of 2019 has a lot of viewers hyped to see the biggest CSGO teams don the stage once again. As various storylines will undoubtedly unfold, Twitch streamers are tuning in to share the biggest moments with their audiences.

But it seems like copyright strikes are stopping these channels in their tracks, as numerous streamers are pointing to DMCA takedowns from StarLadder as the reason for the unexpected bans.

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StarLadderThe bans are shadowing the StarLadder Berlin Major.

While StarLadder is putting on an incredible production to bring the Berlin Major to the homes of thousands, Twitch streamers have been tuning into the GOTV version of the matches found inside of the game.

Major CSGO streamers like Erik ‘fl0m’ Flom, Andre ‘nooky’ Utesch, and more have been banned, apparently with no reason given, after streaming the Major on their channels.

Full list of banned CSGO streamers

UPDATE – Some of the streamers listed below have started to get their Twitch bans rescinded (* denotes unbanned)

  • fl0m*
  • mch_AGG
  • pelaajatcom
  • metabro*
  • nookyyy
  • 1ukeofficial
  • maleK_CSGO
  • gabepeixe
  • dimaoneshot
  • viperdemon
  • mchfps
  • Ryu7z

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The tournament organizers themselves have it written in their StarLadder Major 2019 Official Rulebook and Regulations that they have all broadcasting rights including “video streams (e.g. PoV streams), radio streams, GOTV, replays, demos or TV broadcasts.”

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In fact, ESL had the same stipulation for the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice CSGO Major, but that wasn’t largely enforced as it is being with the StarLadder Major.

In StarLadder’s case, they’ve been handing crucial DMCAs to channels that Twitch has no choice but to oblige by. Although some streamers are saying that these harsh strikes to their channels came with no notice.

“So to clarify StarLadderCSGO just DMCA’d me for streaming the GOTV,” fl0m said after having his channel taken down. “I had casters muted and my sponsors hidden. I can’t confirm 100% this next part but I believe starladder now has exclusive rights to the major and I need permission from them to be able to stream the major.”

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Fl0m expressed his frustrations on Twitter since the DMCA marks the first time the streamer’s channel had ever got banned. 

“I’m so upset. First ever ban on twitch. Nobody from StarLadder reached out asked me to turn it off or anything. Just straight DMCA’d me for doing something we do every Major.”

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The CSGO community are holding their collective breaths to see how Valve and StarLadder will handle these DMCA’s as the debacle is souring the viewing experience for fans in only the second day of the Berlin Major.

About The Author

Alan is a former staff writer for Dexerto based in Southern California who covered esports, internet culture, and the broader games/streaming industry. He is a CSUF Alum with a B.A. in Journalism. He's reported on sports medicine, emerging technology, and local community issues. Got a tip or want to talk?