The Evolution Championship Series fighting game tournament was canceled Thursday after several game developers, e-sports organizations, competitors and hosts withdrew from the event amid allegations of sexual misconduct against Evo co-founder and organizer Joey “MrWizard” Cuellar.
“In the past 24 hours, in response to serious allegations made public on Twitter, we have made the first of a series of important decisions regarding the future of our company,” Evo said in a statement. “With immediate effect, Joey Cuellar will no longer be involved with Evo in any capacity. We are currently working towards his complete separation from the company and have relieved him of all his responsibilities.”
Evo’s co-founder Tony Cannon will take over as CEO of Cuéllar, the organization announced.
Evo, the world’s largest fighting game event, would be held online this year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The game was scheduled to start on Saturday and continue every weekend until August 2. However, on Thursday, Cuellar was suspended from the tournament due to alleged sexual misconduct towards a member of the community.
Plus: SonicFox does not compete in Evo amid accusations against tournament co-founder | Game Developers Take Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Street Fighter, and Dragon Ball FighterZ Out of Evo’s Lineup | Sexual abuse allegations appear throughout the fighting game community
Shortly after the allegations were made public, competitors like five-time Evo champion Dominique “SonicFox” McLean, and fighting game launchers such as James Chen, Stephen “Sajam” Lyon and Steve “Tasty Steve” Scott announced that they would not would participate in Evo.
“I cannot, in good conscience, participate in an event with the accusations of one of the main hosts of that event,” SonicFox told ESPN. “It just doesn’t feel good to me.”
Cuellar released a statement Thursday night amid several game developers who announced a refusal to allow Evo to use their games.
Capcom, the creators 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, announced that they would be pulling out their Evo titles when Cuellar apologized for his actions on Twitter.
“Sorry. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I was young and reckless and I did things that I’m not proud of,” Cuéllar said in a statement. “I’ve been growing and maturing for the past 20 years, but that doesn’t excuse anything. All I’ve been trying to do is become a better person. Again, I’m so sorry.”
Players who purchased a badge for Evo will be reimbursed, the company announced in its statement.
“Progress does not happen overnight, or without the courage of those who speak out against misconduct and justice,” the statement read. “We are shocked and saddened by these events, but we are listening and committed to making every change that is necessary to make Evo a better role model for the stronger and safer culture that we all seek.”
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