Asmongold explained why he turned down an offer from the Esports World Cup organizers to host a sponsored stream for the event, with fans describing his reason as being “classic Asmon.”
In a video posted to his YouTube channel on August 26, the content creator shared, “A lot of streamers were sponsored to watch this event,” and added, “I was also given the chance to sponsor and watch the event myself.”
“I didn’t take it. I want everyone to know it wasn’t for a moral reason,” Asmon clarified, admitting, “I just didn’t feel like it. I don’t want anyone to think I’m better than this or that I’m going to criticize it. No, I just didn’t do it.”
The inaugural Esports World Cup, an annual event, was held in Saudi Arabia over six weeks, with Team Falcons being crowned the first Club Champion on August 26, winning $7 million in prize money. Second and third place winners received $4 million and $2 million, respectively.
Many industry leaders chose not to participate due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and stance on LGBT rights. However, in July, EWC Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert told the BBC that “Everyone was welcome” at the event.
When a viewer asked how much EWC had offered him for a sponsored stream, Asmon avoided the question by saying, “Let’s go ahead and watch the clip.”
After continued pressure, he finally responded, “Considering my viewership, especially on YouTube, it’s a significant number. A really, really big number. Anyway, let’s go ahead and watch this.”
The Esports World Cup is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025 for its second year. For detailed information about the 2024 EWC, including fixtures, winners, and prize pools, visit our dedicated hub.
