How Esports World Cup moved from Saudi Arabia to Paris in 8 weeks
There's a World Cup going on. It's generated a fair bit of controversy, and thousands of French fans are planning to watch the contest. But
There's a World Cup going on. It's generated a fair bit of controversy, and thousands of French fans are planning to watch the contest. But it's not the one you're (probably) thinking of. The Esports World Cup, or EWC, gets under way in Paris this week, after a last-minute move from its usual home of Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. Organisers took the decision to relocate the massive tournament to the French capital due to safety concerns over the ongoing conflict between the USA and Iran in the Middle East. They say finding a suitable venue and installing all the equipment required to broadcast the contest, watched by millions worldwide, in just two months has been a huge undertaking.
For many fans, it's made it possible for them to attend a previously inaccessible event. But it's also raised questions over the future of the EWC, which has been criticised since it was launched over its links with Saudi Arabia. The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation. It was created with the support of the Saudi government, and the EWC launched with an announcement from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. It has been a part of the Kingdom's push to become a major player in global gaming - a strategy described by some as "sportswashing".
Critics claim it's an attempt to improve the country's international reputation and distract from complaints about its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws. It's an accusation the country has spent years denying. Though some players, commentators and fans have boycotted the EWC because of Saudi Arabia's involvement, it still proves popular. Teams have previously told BBC Newsbeat they "can't afford to ignore" the contest and a potential share of its $75m (£50m) prize pot, as funding for esports has declined. Despite the tournament's name, players in the EWC don't compete for their countries but as individuals or in teams.
They fight it out across popular video games including Call of Duty and League of Legends. Taking place over seven weeks, organisers say the event attracts 2,000 players from 100 countries, with some of the world's top esports stars among them.
The BriefWire