Tyler1, a former League of Legends professional with a history as chequered as a chessboard, has been announced as the stage host for the Esports World Cup Chess tournament.
The controversial streamer previously exhibited behaviour so disruptive that he was colloquially referred to as “the most toxic player in North America.” However, he is now back in the esports spotlight thanks to the Saudi Arabian Esports World Cup.
Tyler1 is named stage host at the Esports World Cup
The inclusion of Chess at the Esports World Cup has already attracted controversy. This controversy primarily stems from Saudi Arabian sportwashing and the game’s obvious status as a longstanding board game, which supersedes its identity as a game that can be played online.
However, there is now potential for more questions to be asked about Chess at the Esports World Cup, as Tyler1 has been named as the tournament’s stage host.
Tyler ‘Tyler1’ Steinkamp is a streamer and former professional League of Legends player. He has consistently received criticism across his career for toxic behaviour, verbal abuse, and player harassment.
His misdeeds were so severe that Riot Games issued a rare, publicly announced ban, permanently preventing Tyler1 from playing League of Legends on any account.
Despite the intended permanence of this decision, the ban was revoked after two years.
Since then, Tyler1 has made an effort to repair his previously tarnished image. Although he is still notorious for his verbal toxicity, he is an incredibly successful streamer.
2023 marked Tyler1’s venture into Chess. He regularly plays on the platform Chess.com, and consistently ranks within the top 1% of players on the platform. He was also named Chess Streamer of the Year at the 2023 Streamer Awards.
Why is Chess a part of the esports World Cup anyway?
Some have questioned why chess has been included in the Esports World Cup. Although there are some critiquable reasons, such as Saudi Arabian sportswashing, there are also legitimate reasons for its inclusion.
Tyler1’s position as stage host, controversial history aside, does make sense. He is well-versed in Chess, very successful, and importantly, he is also a streamer who plays online chess, live-streamed.
He is also a former esports professional who successfully transferred his esports skill set to a more traditional game.
Of course, given that it is the Esports World Cup, the chess matches are all PC-based. Nevertheless, traditional chess player Magnus Carlsen is at the core of the tournament’s marketing. Not only is he one of the favourites to win the tournament on esports betting sites, he is also receiving what is likely a sizeable pay packet as an event ambassador.
No matter which angle you examine the tournament from, its inclusion under the esports banner is more grey than black and white.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.
