Team Liquid has issued a statement ahead of its participation in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussing its commitment to ‘esports for all’.
Throughout June and July, the organisation’s teams competing at the multi-title event will wear a range of pride jerseys to raise awareness of inclusion and raise money for LGBTQ+ projects across North America, Europe and Brazil.
UPDATE 12/05/25: Esports Insider had previously reported a change in approach by Team Liquid. However, this article has since been amended due to the organisation’s similar activation at last year’s Esports World Cup.
In a statement published on May 12th, 2025, Team Liquid will wear Pride jerseys throughout June and July, including at the Esports World Cup.
The decision marks the second time the organisation has worn Pride jerseys at the event after earning approval from the Esports World Cup Foundation before the inaugural event in 2024.
“We will continue to wear our Pride jerseys throughout June and July across the entire globe, including at the EWC, with all proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ organisations local to our core regions,” said the organisation in a statement.
“We will continue to donate $50,000 to Rainbow Railroad, a charity that helps LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide escape persecution.”
Team Liquid is one of 40 esports organisations that form the Esports World Cup Club Program, an initiative aiming to promote long-term sustainability and the growth of esports on a global scale.
Team Liquid’s Pride Month Initiatives
Team Liquid says its initiatives ahead of the Esports World Cup reaffirms its commitment to ‘promoting esports for all, at home and abroad.’
The organisation stated: “We will also keep working toward an esports world where LGBTQ+ people can thrive, no matter the political climate.”
The Esports World Cup is operated by the Esports World Cup Foundation, which received direct involvement from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Its involvement continues to generate criticism from sections of the esports community due to it being used to expand its presence in the world of sports and entertainment. Known as ‘esportswashing,’ some see it as an effort to distract from the Kingdom’s human rights record.
