Information published by esports journalist Mikhail Kilmentov sparks new Esports World Cup censorship controversy.
In the Esports World Cup: Level Up Amazon Prime documentary series, a segment regarding Team Liquid’s support for the LGBTQ+ community is allegedly removed for viewers in Saudi Arabia.
Images of the Team Liquid Pride jersey’s rainbow flag elements are also blurred or deliberately obscured in editing.
LGBTQ+ inclusion and commentary in the unedited version of Level Up Episode 2
Starting from timestamp 04:36 in Episode 2 of Esports World Cup: Level Up, Team Liquid co-CEO Steve Arhancet provides important context regarding the team’s participation in the Esports World Cup.
He openly states in the segment, “In preparation for EWC, I have been pretty conflicted, personally.” He also noted that he found it “difficult to participate” in the Riyadh-hosted event given his identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gaming is for everyone, no matter who you are and where you come from.