UPDATE 3:15PM PT: Scott “SirScoots” Smith has posted a longer statement on Medium explaining why teams have voted to compete in EPL instead of the PEA league. The statement points to the leagues’ respective structures as the major point that influenced the players to choose EPL.

“The PEA’s structure as it was proposed to the players would give its member teams an unprecedented amount of power and market control. EPL’s structure as it was presented is more open, balanced, and in line with the philosophy that esports should be treated as its own industry and not forced into traditional sports models. Ultimately, this was a major factor in the players choosing EPL. Don’t get me wrong: EPL is not perfect (and certainly neither is WESA), but at this point it was the far less concerning of the two options,” the statement says.

The original story follows below.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive teams Cloud9, Team SoloMid,Team Liquid, Counter Logic Gaming, Immortals, NRG eSports, and compLexity Gaming have voted to compete in the ESL Pro League over the league hosted by the Professional Esports Association. Representative Scott “SirScoots” Smith posted the decision on Twitter.

The players have chosen to play in EPL over PEA. Six teams voted unanimously. I will be making a more detailed statement tomorrow. — Scott Smith (@SirScoots) January 5, 2017





Smith posted a series of tweets that outlined the alleged benefits of competing in EPL instead of PEA.

EPL = $1m prize + $1m rev share owners/players = $2m a season x 4 seasons. PEA = $500k prize +$250k profit share = $750k x 1 season. — Scott Smith (@SirScoots) January 5, 2017





EPL has set mins for four seasons, can only go up. That's $8m in two years for 28 teams. PEA has locked in one season, $750k, 7-10 teams. — Scott Smith (@SirScoots) January 5, 2017





EPL also does offer rev share to the owners and players, not just profit share. Big difference once you get past the set minimums. — Scott Smith (@SirScoots) January 5, 2017





The players know that it's easier to place well in a 7-10 team NA league and win more prize $ over a global 28 team league. They don't care. — Scott Smith (@SirScoots) January 5, 2017





Smith said a more detailed statement would be released later today.

The decision comes three weeks after an open letter to the PEA was first published by Smith, sparking heavy discussion online and prompting a response in the form of a letter posted by Noah Whinston, a member of the PEA Player Relations Committee and CEO of Immortals. The letter addresses several concerns highlighted by the players and offered them the choice between competing in PEA’s league or EPL, but not both.

The situation stirred further controversy when TSM player Sean Gares was dismissed from the team, seemingly for his involvement in the situation. TSM owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh went on to address the matter in an episode of ‘Talk to Thorin’.

Yahoo Esports will be updating this story as more details emerge. Check out our CS:GO hub for more.