Richard Lewis Criticizes EWC Organizers Over Sudden Move to France

Esports journalist Richard Lewis published a detailed report criticizing the organizers of the Esports World Cup following the tournament’s unexpected relocation from Riyadh to France.

According to Lewis, public statements made by representatives of the Esports World Cup Foundation claimed that the move was connected to the organization’s long-term goal of creating an internationally rotating event. However, sources familiar with the tournament’s internal planning reportedly told the journalist that relocating the event had never originally been part of the plan.

The report stated that even one day before the official announcement, some employees were still being informed that the tournament would definitely take place in Riyadh. Sources also claimed that non-management staff members were allegedly kept uninformed while senior executives and partners quietly explored alternative locations due to concerns connected to the conflict in Iran.

According to the article, workers were instructed to ignore early rumors regarding a move to France and continue preparing for the Saudi Arabia event as if no changes were expected.

Lewis additionally argued that this information contradicts previous public comments given to BBC representatives, where EWC organizers reportedly insisted that community criticism and public pressure had not influenced the relocation decision.

The journalist also highlighted concerns from freelance broadcast talent and production workers, some of whom allegedly did not know where the tournament would take place while negotiating contracts for the event. One source reportedly claimed that discussions this year became significantly more tense after questions were raised regarding safety concerns and potential increases in talent fees.

According to Lewis’ sources, organizers are now trying to finalize a compressed seven-week schedule for the event. The report suggested that several tournaments may be shortened in order to fit all planned competitions into the calendar without removing any titles from the lineup.

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In conclusion, Lewis argued that the public messaging surrounding the relocation does not fully match what was happening internally and claimed that the move to France created several unresolved logistical problems ahead of the tournament’s scheduled July 6 start date.