Legacy American esports organisation, Evil Geniuses, has recently made a statement regarding the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
On the Valorant team’s official Twitter account, they made their intentions and reasoning clear regarding qualifying for the EWC in Saudi Arabia.
Online protests and community backlash have plagued the tournament since its inception.
This is due to the EWC’s connection to the Saudi Arabian government, which has a poor human rights record, including the persecution of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Evil Geniuses push on to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025
Through this statement, Evil Geniuses have confirmed that they’ll attempt to qualify for the EWC through the Americas Qualifier.
This is despite the country’s human rights record, which includes outlawing feminism, atheism, and homosexuality.
They reasoned, “Opportunities to compete at the Tier 1 level are extremely limited, and the more time we have to compete against the best, the better our chances of qualifying for Champions 2025.”
However, the American-based organisation has stated that, “EG social channels will not be covering, mentioning or giving updates on EWC-related matches or content and will re-evaluate this approach based on the competitive outcomes of Phase 2.”
Phase 2 of the EWC 2025: Americas Qualifier will kick off later this evening at 23:00 BST.
Claiming to have made this decision in line with the organisation’s ‘internal values’, some have remained skeptical, remembering Evil Geniuses’ previous treatment of its players and staff, including their League of Legends star, Kyle ‘Danny’ Sakamaki.
Mixed community reaction to Evil Geniuses’ statement
As one of the few organisations to make a statement about the EWC and fans’ concerns, many have praised their statement and decision to compete.
Other than withdrawing which is pretty unrealistic for an org this is the best way to do it, W.
— Artemis (@ArtyAstra) May 22, 2025
The reasoning makes sense. All of NA tier 1 don’t have many events for practice besides VCT and scrims. EG have 4 champions points and are at #5 at the moment behind Kru with 5 points. Any practice for EG prior to split 2 could enable them to sneak the last spot from Kru.
— Michael (@MasoriFPS) May 23, 2025
Others have called out the organisation, in what they claim as an attempt to retain a positive public image.
Brother, say we want money, so we will participate. Don't put yourself in a position of strength. You are in a vulnerable situation. You can't keep your principles and values for money just be honest with the fans that's it. 🤍
— ناصر (@KH7GX) May 22, 2025
It's sad to see too many people celebrating this handwashing.
— Frailejon 🇨🇴 (10 ⭐) (@iFrailejon_) May 22, 2025
If you know there is something rotten here, just don't play it, but if you will, at least don't act like you are the good guys.
I expected better from this org.
However, the keen-eyed have also spotted an interesting loophole in the statement.
Evil Geniuses have stated they will “re-evaluate this approach based on the competitive outcomes of Phase 2.”
Causing outrage amongst those who believe that the team is waiting until they qualify for the EWC 2025.
Saying you aren't going to cover it but "you'll re-evaluate that stance if you guys advance" doesn't mean anything. To fly your team out & support them to try and win sportwashing money complacency itself, but can't wait to see your empty hearted Pride month content in June!
— Kamkazi (@MylesorKazi) May 22, 2025
lol, its only for engagement, at the end of the day, money is still money, and wtf is "we will re-evaluate this approach based on the competitive outcomes of Phase 2" even about? so if you lose you quiet and if you win, you celebrate? hahaha
— Orandom (@reaaa_21) May 22, 2025
Valorant and the Esports World Cup
The American esports organisation was automatically placed into the Americas Qualifier for EWC 2025, after coming fourth in the main Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) 2025: Americas Stage 1.
The VCT is the highest level of competition in Valorant esports, making it the pinnacle for players and teams alike.
However, its integration into qualifying for the EWC has made it hard for teams to decline participation, especially with the large prize pools on offer.
Thus, despite the anger from fans, many teams have competed at the EWC.
Team Liquid is another organisation that has had its fair share of backlash surrounding the EWC.
This year, they’ve committed to representing the pride flag on their jerseys and donating to the global LGBTQIA+ charity, Rainbow Railroad.
The EWC 2025 will take place between July and August 2025 with a record-breaking $70m (£54.8m)
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