Tarik Turns Down a Million Dollars – The Esports World Cup Controversy

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is one of the biggest esports events of the year, however, it has its own set of controversies surrounding it. Concerns about sportswashing along with the tournament’s ethical implications have made many in the gaming community conflicted to support or reject it.

What Is The Esports World Cup?

The EWC is a huge global esports tournament featuring multiple games like Valorant, CS2, and more. This year, the tournament has expanded from 26 to 40 partner teams, with organizations from Europe, America, China, and APAC joining as well.

With massive prize pools and an opportunity for teams to gain exposure, EWC seems like an esports dream, however, dreams often differ from reality according to fans.

The event is funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has been accused of using sports and entertainment to enhance its global image - often referred to as sportswashing, especially given the country’s track record on free speech and so on.

Note: Sportswashing refers to countries using large events to distract individuals from human right concerns and help it's reputation.

So, is EWC a financial lifeline for struggling teams? Or is it an event that esports should distance itself from?

Tarik's Stance

 

Tarik, one of Valorant’s top streamers and a former CS:GO pro recently revealed that he has repeatedly declined offers to be part of EWC as a host on an individual level, with figures up to seven digits. Although Tarik on an individual level does not want to associate himself with EWC, ironically - his organization, Sentinels, is partnered with the event.

This raises the question of how much influence individuals truly have when their organizations make business deals that don’t align with their personal values.

How Are Other Teams & Players Reacting?

While some other clubs have turned down EWC offers on ethical grounds, others have done so out of financial necessity. Esports clubs are struggling to survive, and the influx of Saudi dollars provides stability that they otherwise can't achieve.

Is The EWC Worth Watching?

The Esports World Cup is certainly massive, but its connection to political and ethical issues makes it a controversial issue. While companies such as Sentinels are jumping on the bandwagon of the event, players such as Tarik are setting their personal opinions straight.

Do you support esports at all costs, or do you believe there are certain boundaries that shouldn't be pushed? Wherever you are, the EWC controversy is far from over and as esports keep on expanding, the controversy over money versus morals will just continue to get louder.