Asmongold declines Esports World Cup sponsored stream due to ethical concerns

Popular streamer Asmongold recently disclosed why he turned down a sponsored stream offer from the Esports World Cup (EWC) organizers, a decision that many fans have praised as "so on-brand." The event, which took place in Saudi Arabia over six weeks, concluded with Team Falcons being crowned the first Club Champion on August 26, securing $7 million in prize money.

Asmongold's rejection of the offer was largely influenced by ethical concerns regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record and stance on LGBT rights. These issues have led several key figures in the esports industry to distance themselves from the event. Despite EWC Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert's statement to the BBC that "Everyone was welcome" to the event, many in the industry remained unconvinced.

When asked by a viewer during a live stream how much EWC had offered him for the sponsorship, Asmongold avoided giving a direct answer, instead saying, "Let’s go ahead and watch the clip," before eventually adding, "If you look at my viewership, especially on YouTube, it’s a big number. A really, really big number. Anyway, let’s go ahead and watch this."

The inaugural Esports World Cup is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025 for its second year, continuing to generate discussion within the esports community. Asmongold's decision not to participate highlights ongoing debates about the ethics of involvement in events hosted by nations with controversial human rights records.