The Evolution Championship Series battling video game tournament was canceled Thursday after several game developers, esports organizations, hosts and competitors pulled out of the event in the middle of sexual misconduct allegations against Evo co-founder and organizer Joey “MrWizard” Cuellar.
” Over the past 24 hours, in reaction to major accusations revealed on Twitter, we have made the very first of a series of important decisions regarding the future of our business,” Evo said in a declaration. “Effective right away, Joey Cuellar will no longer be included with Evo in any capacity. We are currently working towards his total separation from the business and have alleviated him of all of his responsibilities.”
Tony Cannon, a fellow co-founder of Evo, will take control of the role of CEO from Cuellar, the organization revealed.
Evo, the biggest combating game event worldwide, was to be held online this year due to the continuous coronavirus pandemic. Play was slated to start Saturday and continue every weekend up till Aug. 2. However, on Thursday, Cuellar was put on administrative leave by the tournament due to alleged sexual misbehavior towards a neighborhood member.
More: SonicFox not contending at Evo amid allegations versus tournament co-founder|Game devs pull Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Street Fighter and Dragon Ball FighterZ from Evo lineup|Sexual abuse claims surface throughout combating game community
Soon after the accusations were revealed, rivals such as five-time Evo champ Dominique “SonicFox” McLean and combating video game casters such as James Chen, Stephen “Sajam” Lyon and Steve “Tasty Steve” Scott announced they would not take part in Evo.
” I can not in good conscience take part in an occasion with the accusations of one the main hosts of said event,” SonicFox informed ESPN. “It just doesnt sit ideal with me.”
Cuellar issued a statement late Thursday amidst several game designers announcing the rejection to enable Evo to use their games.
Capcom, the makers of Street Fighter V: Champion Edition; Bandai Namaco, the creators of Dragon Ball FighterZ and TEKKEN 7; and NeatherRealm Studios, which produced Mortal Kombat 11, all announced they were pulling their titles from Evo as Cuellar said sorry for his actions on Twitter.
I was careless and young and did things Im not proud of,” Cuellar stated in a statement. “I have actually been maturing and growing over the past 20 years, but that doesnt excuse anything. All I have been attempting to do is become a much better person.
Players who bought a badge for Evo will be reimbursed, the company revealed in its declaration.
” Progress doesnt happen overnight, or without the bravery of those who speak up versus misbehavior and justice,” the declaration read. “We are saddened and stunned by these events, however we are listening and dedicated to making every change that will be required in making Evo a better model for the more powerful, much safer culture we all look for.”
” Over the previous 24 hours, in response to major claims made public on Twitter, we have actually made the first of a series of crucial choices relating to the future of our business,” Evo said in a declaration. “Effective instantly, Joey Cuellar will no longer be included with Evo in any capability. Evo, the largest battling game event in the world, was to be held online this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Sexual abuse accusations surface area throughout combating video game community
