Team Spirit Apologizes Over Taiwan Map In CS2 Video

Team Spirit removed a Counter-Strike 2 video from its social media accounts after Chinese viewers criticized a map of China that excluded Taiwan. The esports organization apologized to Chinese fans on Oct. 14 and endorsed the One-China principle, which treats Taiwan as part of China.

The video featured Team Spirit players Boris “magixx” Vorobyev and Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov playing Size It Up, an online game that compares the sizes and features of countries, places and objects. During a question about the land areas of different countries, the game displayed the map.

Team Spirit explained that the map and other visual materials came from a third-party website. Its production team had not checked the material before using it, the organization acknowledged. The video was removed after the issue was reported.

The organization also announced a review of its internal content approval process. It promised to apply greater care when checking material published through its official channels.

An earlier apology included a Chinese proverb about recognizing and correcting mistakes. Some Chinese users criticized the wording and called for a clearer response. Team Spirit later issued a longer statement that included its support for the One-China principle.

Reactions to the revised apology were mixed. Some Chinese fans called for additional statements from the players and management. Others defended Vorobyev and Sokolov, noting that they had taken part in an entertainment video and had not created the map.

International CS2 fans questioned why the organization had made an explicit political statement over a map used in a casual game. Taiwan is self-governed, while Beijing claims sovereignty over the island and considers it part of China. Maps that exclude Taiwan from Chinese territory are a sensitive issue in China.

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