Overwatch is getting ready for a major tournament this week, separate from its usual OWCS event. The tournament is set to take place at the Esports World Cup 2024, which is part of the broader EWC that has expanded significantly this year. However, not everyone is thrilled about the event, as one player, Masaa, has decided to opt out for moral reasons.
Although a variety of games are featured at the Esports World Cup, Overwatch plays a prominent role. Masaa has been vocal about his decision to withdraw from the competition and has articulated his reasons for doing so.
Masaa’s Decision to Skip Esports World Cup
Source: @Masaa_ow
Masaa has chosen to refrain from participating in the Overwatch tournament at the Esports World Cup due to his moral objections. In a recent stream, he highlighted his concerns about the event’s association with Saudi Arabia. Specifically, Masaa cited issues related to LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia and other moral disagreements with the regime as reasons for his decision.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in esports. While withdrawing from events like this serves as a symbolic gesture, it is challenging to navigate the esports landscape without encountering Saudi-owned entities. For instance, the primary Overwatch competitive league OWCS is operated by FACEIT, a company owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. Masaa previously participated in an OWCS event organized by FACEIT at DreamHack, also owned by Saudis.
The Esports World Cup serves as a showcase for Saudi investments in esports, reflecting their broader interest in the industry. Saudi interests extend beyond tournaments, encompassing ownership of organizations and stakes in game developers like EA. Players like Masaa are shedding light on these issues through their actions. However, in 2024, it is increasingly difficult to engage in esports without encountering Saudi-owned components, given the extent of their investments in the sector.
