The Esports world cup is the newest and one of the largest proposed esports tournaments in the world. With over $80 Million in prize money everyone with a pulse is looking to cash in, some however are skeptical.

So for a quick overview, what is the esports world cup? Well on the world cup’s website we see their goal.

“To push esports forward, we are eliminating ecosystem fragmentation and providing a centralized platform for the world’s leading games and the best esports athletes.”

The goal of this event is to house gamers under one roof, and for eight weeks they compete for dominance in their chosen games.

On the surface? Fantastic idea and a great way to increase hype and viewership for all events present. However the size of this event is unheard of, and eight weeks? With the location fee, wages, and tournament prizes, who has all this money to back it?

Saudi Arabia. The nation is flush with oil money and known for several human rights cases against them. They are the wondrous benefactors that have supported this tournament. Even if the location for the event is settled, the capital of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the event.

This is not the only big budget event Saudi has begun to take over. Recently LIV GOLF purchased the PGA and became the dominant owner of golf and larger tournaments. This has fans and others worried about the foreign investor, as they had a part in the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks.

This practice is called “Sports washing” and is dangerously common with Saudi Arabia. The practice is to influence regional and societal cultures. If you love your local baseball team, if someone buys your team then upgrades the seats, better food, and a new parking lot. Your opinion about the new buyer would change. 

This is the basic concept of sports washing. This is not relegated to sports, and can cover all things that are culturally significant. With esports becoming a burgeoning industry it’s fair to see why Saudi would be interested. Not only are esports growing in the United States, but in the rest of the world. 

Europe has an outstanding amount of teams, and in past years has dominated the world in the best games. Not only are teams from the Americas and Europe, but every nation

From Brazil to Russia, China,Japan, and the korea? No wonder the Saudis are interested right? Well some skeptics are pushing this narrative HARD. 

It’s no wonder people are worried. After LIV and the new Formula 1 investment, as well as the increasingly public role there Prince has taken. All eyes are on the Saudis, and now they are  hitting the gamer market. 

Now what do we do? Do we trust the Saudi government? Or is this the next evolution of esports? 

Personally I believe that if properly formatted this could potentially be the best thing for esports since the first Evolution Fighting Championship (EVO). 

Imagine a land event, where for one whole week you get to either watch live, or tune into the best CS2 to ever be played. All in one location is practically unheard of. Let alone the way prize money is split is something new, and perhaps a more interesting way than previously seen. 

The idea that the organizations get the prize money gives it incentive for more teams to enter. Perhaps giving the team more money encourages them to reinvest in their team. They will encourage and possibly eliminate the financial issues that have been prevalent in the esports scene. 

This is my personal opinion though. I can understand one’s hesitance to trust or support the Saudi Government. The royal family has committed war crimes and assisted in 9/11. For me though, this is simply too good of an opportunity for esports to take the mainstage.If an 8 week tournament takes place with popular streamers, and other celebrities i think this could benefit all of esports.

I look forward to this event and hope they can properly manage this event.