Fighting game players in uproar after Evo's new Saudi government owners, calls to support grassroots events

Fighting game players are up in arms following news that RTS – a gaming talent agency and owner of the Evo tournament series – has been acquired by the Saudi Arabian mega city project Qiddiya.

This news came yesterday afternoon via an official statement by CSO at Qiddiya Muhannad Aldawood, who wrote on Linkedin: “Excited to share that Qiddiya has acquired full ownership of RTS, a strategic step that will further strengthen our esports business and unlock new opportunities across the broader gaming ecosystem. And most importantly, this will enable Qiddiya to keep fueling the continued growth of Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s largest fighting game event since 1996, with unlimited [potential].”

The response online from fighting game community members was largely one of disappointment, as various fans of the genre came out to express sadness at the new owners and emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots community-run events. Saudi Arabia has been criticised by Human Rights organisations for its prolific use of slavery, the death penalty, and more.

Professional Street Fighter 6 player ChrisCCH, who previously refused a place at the Saudi-owned Esports World Cup, wrote on X: “Not terribly surprising, but still unfortunate news. Sad for the LGBTQ+ members of the community, and also worried about the scene becoming increasingly funded by money that will disappear as soon as the funders get bored.”