Esports World Cup: The new tournament in Saudi Arabia causing a big splash and division in the industry

CNN — In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital, a seismic moment for esports is underway; one which has triggered both excitement and concern across the industry. “That was the guiding principle when we thought about, designed it and then announced it.” But while the tournament will be a shot of adrenaline for esports, its launch has refreshed existing concerns about the industry’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. “We fundamentally believe that this competition will unite the industry and heavily put in the middle of it.” Through the Esports World Cup Foundation, Reichert is excited about the launch of the EWC Club Program. Many are concerned by the tournament’s links to Saudi Arabia, which has been accused of “sportswashing” – a concept that involves nations using high-profile sporting events to project a favorable image of their country around the world, often to draw attention away from alleged wrongdoing. “Saudi Arabia is investing billions in esports, a field thriving on online interactions, while cracking down on any form of critical online expression with harsh prison terms and even a death sentence,” Dana Ahmed, Amnesty International’s Middle East researcher, told CNN in a statement.