### Esports World Cup: The Contest Teams Cannot Afford to Miss
The second edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC) is now officially underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over the course of the next seven weeks, competitive teams from across the globe will participate in a variety of popular games, including but not limited to “Call of Duty,” “League of Legends,” and the highly anticipated “EA Sports FC” (formerly known as FIFA). Notably, this massive tournament boasts an astounding prize pool of $70 million (£50 million), offering both individual and team prizes. Unlike traditional sporting events, players do not compete under national flags, but rather represent organizations, such as the notable Team Liquid, which is one of the most recognized esports teams globally.
BBC Newsbeat took a closer look inside the headquarters of Team Liquid to understand the significance of the EWC for their operations and why they believe this competition is too crucial to overlook. As esports evolve, the importance of this championship is becoming increasingly clear, not just for prestige but also for financial viability.
Located in Utrecht, Netherlands, Team Liquid’s headquarters provides a unique blend of a professional workspace, gaming arcade, and even luxury student housing. The setup includes rooms specifically designed for head-to-head matches, and streaming booths equipped to broadcast live to fans on platforms like Twitch. Many of Team Liquid’s elite players live and train at this facility, which offers their team members three nutritious meals a day, crafted to enhance focus and reaction times.
The training regimen is intense, especially as major competitions loom on the calendar. On average, team members dedicate around eight hours a day to honing their skills. A key player in the organization is Levi de Weerd, a promising professional gamer and current EA Sports FC competitor. Levi began playing EA Sports’s offerings in his youth and has now transformed his passion into a career. He appreciates being part of Team Liquid for the high-quality facilities and expert coaching available to him.
With a myriad of resources at their disposal, including gameplay coaching and analysis, performance enhancement programs, and mental health support, Levi emphasizes the significance of maintaining a strong team environment with staff and fellow gamers. This kind of camaraderie is seen as vital for developing a good team chemistry.
One standout player among Team Liquid is YanYa, who has joined the Apex Legends squad. Coming from Mexico, he expresses that competing in the EWC against the best players in the world offers him an unparalleled thrill. He describes the experience as the most exhilarating of his career, highlighting the adrenaline rush that accompanies such high-stakes competition. Team Liquid aims to improve upon their previous year’s performance, where they finished as the runners-up to Team Falcons, a Saudi Arabian team.
As the competition draws nearer, the stakes become higher. The individual players not only have the chance to earn substantial cash prizes, but there are also significant incentives for teams competing overall. The club that finishes with the most victories stands to gain $7 million (£5 million), prompting teams like Team Liquid to assemble various talents from around the world for a better shot at winning.
Amidst this competitive fervor, there are complex ethical considerations surrounding the event. Critics have raised concerns regarding Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and strict laws affecting personal freedoms, particularly toward women and LGBTQ+ individuals. These critiques illustrate the challenging balancing act that Team Liquid faces as they participate in an event backed by a controversial host country. The organization acknowledges this sensitive dilemma, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity in esports.
Victor Goossens, the co-CEO of Team Liquid, acknowledges the financial implications of the EWC. It serves as a critical revenue stream that allows them to plan future endeavors more efficiently while maintaining sustainability as an esports organization. He emphasizes that they are “ambitious” in their quest to claim the club championship title after last year’s close call.
In their pursuit of esports excellence, Team Liquid has even ventured into other gaming disciplines; for instance, they have recruited renowned chess grandmasters to compete in the newly incorporated online chess events within the same tournament.
In summary, the Esports World Cup offers a phenomenal platform for showcasing talent, generating substantial profits, and navigating complex socio-political landscapes. As the competition unfolds, it will be interesting to see how teams like Team Liquid manage both their quest for glory on the gaming battlefield and their commitment to broader societal values.
