Controversy surrounding the inclusion of the Apex Legends Championship Series (ALGS) at the Esports World Cup has reignited after Team Orchid player Hambino revealed they would not be competing at the event.
As a result, the North American esports organisation will be fielding a substitute at the ALGS Mid-Season Playoffs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After securing the last qualifying position during the North American regional finals, Hambino announced on social media that they would not attend the Esports World Cup.
“Even past the risk to my own personal safety, I would refuse to attend on principle. My substitute has agreed to split their earnings with me. I will be donating my portion of those earnings to queer members in the community. I’m sorry to anyone who was excited to watch me play.”
The decision not to attend the Mid-Season Playoffs means Hambino is unable to earn any Championship Points available during the tournament that takes place from July 10th to 13th, 2025.
Championship Points are used to determine the top 32 teams from the entirety of the ALGS season. These teams will earn direct qualification to the season-ending Global Championship.
Hambino isn’t the only ALGS player to question the esports circuit’s integration into the Esports World Cup. FURIA‘s Ryan ‘ImMadness’ Schlieve questioned the decision of Electronic Arts (EA) to host an event in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s odd Apex Legends is marketed as an LGBTQ+ inclusivity game but host LAN in a country where those individuals are deemed illegal. It just seems like exploitation of marginalised communities for financial gain, and drop those beliefs when more money is involved.”
Further Esports World Cup Controversies
The Esports World Cup has experienced controversy in the build-up to its 2025 event. In May, geography-based guessing game GeoGuessr joined the Esports World Cup Festival lineup. Due to fan backlash, the title was withdrawn from the event.
Hambino isn’t the first esports player to refuse attendance at the event. In March, Street Fighter 6 player Christopher ‘ChrisCCH’ Hankock revealed he wouldn’t compete at the event “due to the nature in which the event is funded and managed.”
Discussions surrounding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record have remained, particularly surrounding the LGBTQ+ community and women.
The Esports World Cup’s organiser, the Esports World Cup Foundation, is backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which continues to fund various sporting and entertainment events in the Kingdom.
