Monte's coach kakafu close to being excluded from Cologne for showing too much emotion

As one of the two most important events of the year, the ongoing IEM Cologne Major has been a time of intense emotion for all, especially for those participating. While coaches in other events can be among the most animated members of the team, Valve is not a fan.

One lively coach at Cologne has been Monte's Alexander "kakafu" Szymanczyk. After day two of Stage 2 concluded, he posted on social media saying, "ESL gave me a final warning to show no emotion. Valve is forcing TOs to be strict with this rule at the majors."

Section 7.6 of the IEM Cologne Major rulebook states that coaches:

...will only be allowed to talk to the players during tactical pauses and half times. The coach is not allowed to communicate in any other way including, but not limited to, shouting or non-verbal communication (e.g. touching) with players outside of the specified time windows.

Coaches found breaking that rule are subject to a warning, which kakafu already received, followed by potential ejection from the game. In a response to a comment asking if he would be removed, kakafu confirmed this, "Yes, excluded from the tournament."

The purpose of the regulation is to prevent coaches from cheating by means of unsanctioned communication. For example, a certain shouted word or pat on the back could be code to use a specific strategy.

While the thought behind it is understandable, Valve's stringency with the rule has been criticized as unreasonable, as it essentially forces coaches to remain silent during the game, a tough ask at a Major.

kakafu ended his post by saying, "If it's like that I like the valorant versions where the coach is in a different room with a PC."

Monte are currently in the 2-1 pool, one best-of-three away from making Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major.