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The Saudi Arabian takeover of fighting games' biggest tournament means players - and the wider community - have a choice to make: between its culture and a payout
The fighting game scene is desperate for financing - but that same financing might ultimately bring about its end.
When the Esports World Cup showed up with " life changing money" - the first, held in Riyadh last year, had a total prize pool of more than $60m - those who have dedicated their lives to the genre weren't exactly in a great position to turn it down. Take Victor "Punk" Woodley, who is the Evo 2024 Street Fighter champion and a fantastic player - he also dropped out of school to pursue a career as a pro long before any real Saudi involvement in the scene. | Image credit: Riyadh At the same time however, with notable fighting game players readily engaging directly with the Esports World Cup, ground was already ceded for the expansion of Saudi government influence.
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