Spirit have decided to withdraw from the CIS closed qualifier for EPICENTER, HLTV.org has learned.

The Russian team were due to face AVANGAR in the first round of the Lower Bracket after losing to Vega Squadron 2-1 in the Upper Bracket semi-finals.

However, Spirit have decided not to take further part in the qualifier after learning that EPICENTER will clash with the CIS Minor Championship, to which they have been invited.

DavCost's Spirit will prioritise the CIS Minor

Natus Vincere, Vega Squadron and AVANGAR are now the teams who remain in contention in the qualifier, which will reward the winning side with a spot in the EPICENTER wildcard stage. 

This four-team wildcard stage, featuring the winners of the qualifiers held in Europe, the CIS and the Americas, plus an Asian side, will determine the final two teams who will take part in EPICENTER's main tournament, which will have $500,000 on offer.