Image source, Team Liquid
- author, Andrew Rogers
- role, BBC Newsbeat
The head of the Esports World Cup has defended the decision to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Hundreds of competitors gathered in Riyadh to compete in an eight-week tournament with a total prize pool of $60 million (£47.1 million) funded by Arab countries.
But the massive competition, which takes place in Saudi Arabia, has sparked divisions among players, streamers and fans, particularly over its stance on LGBT rights.
Critics say the World Cup is an example of “sportswashing”, with the wealthy country investing heavily in mega-events to distract from its record of human rights abuses.
Esports World Cup founder Ralf Reichert told BBC Newsbeat that he wanted to reassure LGBT fans and players travelling to the tournament who may be concerned about their safety in Saudi Arabia.
“Everyone can take part in the contest and no one will be discriminated against. That’s what we can promise you.”
But, he added, “Every country in the world has different local customs and cultural norms that need to be followed.”
“So what we tell people is, don’t be so explicit.
“Act locally to respect local culture. I think that’s fair. It’s happening all over the world.”
“Everyone is welcome”
Several players have refused to take part in the World Cup, and other big names in the esports world have also spoken out against the event.
But thousands of fans are expected to attend in person, and many more will watch the competition streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.
Ralph, a 27-year veteran of competitive gaming, said he thinks the event will be good for esports.
The industry has been in a slump since booming during the pandemic, with teams and tournaments being cancelled due to a lack of funding.
He told Newsbeat he hopes having more games in one location will draw more fans.
“We can unite fans from all over the world in one purpose and inspire each other throughout every game,” he said.
“To bring this into the mainstream and get global recognition is probably a unique opportunity that we have.”
Team Liquid, one of the world’s largest e-sports teams, is participating in the tournament.
On the first day of the tournament, the team’s players competed in their official rainbow pride kit to show their support for the LGBT community.
Team Liquid CEO Steve Arhancet told BBC Newsbeat that considering whether to participate was “a very difficult question and a challenge for us”.
“Team Liquid is rooted in the values of inclusivity,” he said.
“So how do we continue to act based on our values in areas where conflict is intense and human rights violations are rampant?”
Steve said the team ultimately decided it was important to take part in the competition and use it as a platform to show support for LGBT people.
As Steve is gay himself, he said this was a personally important thing to him and to many other gamers.
According to a recent survey by LGBT advocacy group GLAAD and polling firm Nielsen, one in five gamers identify as LGBT.
“Maybe some gay and queer gamers watching will see Team Liquid wearing pride colors, because they haven’t seen that representation before,” Steve said.
“That’s the kind of voice we need.”
That’s the opinion of Emma, also known online as Emzi, one of the UK’s top esports players.
She won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Esports Championships while representing Northern Ireland in eFootball.
In her opinion, it is unfortunate that so many athletes chose to boycott the tournament.
“I feel like that’s the voice we need there,” Emji said.
“Whether we like it or not, the Esports World Cup is going to happen.”
As a transgender woman, Emma said she felt it was especially important that athletes like her were included and visible at the games, even if just as a spectator.
“I’m a very vocal voice for trans rights and LGBT rights,” she says.
Emma says the location should not get in the way of the opportunities that could arise from this major new event.
‘Not welcome’
While some have voiced positive opinions, many remain skeptical.
Emi, also known online as CaptainFluke, is one of several prominent esports presenters who have publicly spoken out against Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup.
She believes Ralph is sincere when he promises that “everyone is welcome,” but she doesn’t believe he can guarantee anyone’s safety.
“They can’t make such statements to people who have more power than them,” Emi says.
“Unfortunately, I don’t think the risk is something they can control.”
Emi, a transgender woman, said her friends had asked her for advice on whether to attend the event, and stressed that she understood why many chose to take part.
But in her view, the event’s holding in Saudi Arabia left LGBT people feeling “isolated”.
“When you rely on passion and love alone, it feels like you’ve walked away from something,” she said.
“The isolation is awful.
“I feel like this is a celebration of all esports, but it’s not welcomed.
Newsbeat airs live weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, or you can listen back here.