EWC: Call of Duty MW3 and Warzone to be featured in the Esports World Cup
Call of Duty's Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone will be featured at the Esports World Cup (EWC) this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the EWC today.
These titles join a prestigious lineup of games with significant prize pools at the event, including Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA Sports FC 24, Fortnite, League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and others.
Details of the Call of Duty Events
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Modern Warfare 3 (MW3)
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- Teams: 16
- Prize Pool: $1.8 million
- Dates: August 15 to 18, after the Call of Duty League (CDL) season concludes with its championship weekend in Texas from July 18 to 21.
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Warzone
- Teams: 21
- Prize Pool: $1 million
- Dates: July 3 to 6
The total prize money for the EWC now exceeds $33 million.
Statement from the Esports World Cup Foundation
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, stated, “By adding two amazing Call of Duty games to the Esports World Cup, we have cemented our promise to deliver the world’s best games to esports fans everywhere. Call of Duty is the final piece of our historic EWC 2024 schedule, and we are excited to welcome its athletes and global fanbase to Riyadh this summer.”
Controversy and Criticism
Despite the excitement surrounding the event, it has faced criticism due to its location in Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning the country's treatment of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Prominent esports caster Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez publicly declined to participate in the event, citing that it is “wholly funded by the Saudi Arabian government” and stating that the event does not “align with my personal and professional values.” This sentiment reflects ongoing concerns within the esports community regarding human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
Summary
The inclusion of Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone in the Esports World Cup represents a significant addition to an already impressive roster of games, promising substantial prize money and competitive excitement. However, the event's location continues to be a point of contention within the global esports community.
