The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) is the largest annual event in the fighting game community and the largest LAN event in the world. It had been held every year from 1996 to this year. On Thursday, Evo announced the cancellation of this year’s tournament following allegations of sexual misconduct against co-founder and president Joey “MrWizard” Cuellar. It was the culmination of a tumultuous week for Evo.
This year’s tournament already looked different before this week’s events led to its cancellation. In May, Evo, like other eSports competitions around the world, made the decision to move the tournament online as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament would take place over a series of weekends from Saturday through August 2.
The allegations that surfaced this week against Cuellar and other members of the fighting games community were the latest in a movement that started in June, when a wave of allegations hit the social media of the gaming and e-sports communities. The victims began to speak with stories of harassment, assault and intimidation by personalities, employees of gaming companies, and e-sports competitors. Hundreds of allegations were posted online, and a movement began promoting change in the community through a Twitch blackout, as it is the primary platform for many streamer and esports competitions.
Last week, the move highlighted the fighting game community and the Super Smash Bros. community in particular, including former NRG Esports Smash competitor Nairoby “Nairo” Quezada, accused of having a sexual relationship with a less. NRG severed ties with Quezada shortly after the allegations were made public.
On Wednesday, the first of several allegations of sexual misconduct was imposed against Cuéllar.
On Thursday, Evo posted on his Twitter account that he would place Cuellar on administrative leave pending a third-party investigation.
Cuellar issued the following apology on Twitter on Thursday: “Sorry. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I was young and reckless and I did things that I’m not proud of. I’ve been growing and maturing for the last 20 years, but that doesn’t excuse anything. All I have tried to do is become a better person. Again, I am so sorry. “
Following Evo’s announcement that it would license Cuellar, several members of the fighting game community decided that they would not participate in Evo this year, including commentators, competitors, and teams.
The most prominent competitor to drop out of the competition was Dominique “SonicFox” McLean, a five-time Evo champion in multiple titles.
Also, I will no longer participate in Evo online.
– SonicFox 1312 (@SonicFox) July 2, 2020
“I cannot, in good conscience, participate in an event with complaints from one of the main hosts of that event. It just doesn’t sit well with me,” SonicFox told ESPN.
Later in the day, major game developers Capcom (the maker of Street Fighter), NetherRealm (Mortal Kombat), and Bandai Namco (Dragon Ball FighterZ and Tekken) announced that they would withdraw their Evo games, with statements expressing solidarity for the victims who had come forward.
We stand in solidarity with those who have spoken out against abuse. We will withdraw MK11 from EVO Online.
– NetherRealm (@NetherRealm) July 2, 2020
Just after 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, Evo officially shut down this year’s tournament. Organizers also stated that they will issue refunds to all players who purchased badges and that they will donate an equal amount to Project HOPE, an international healthcare organization.
pic.twitter.com/eUl8rF9TkC
– EVO (@EVO) July 3, 2020
“Progress does not happen overnight or without the courage of those who speak out against misconduct and injustice. 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 we all seek, “said Evo’s statement.
Evo also announced that Cuellar had been completely removed from his duties with Evo and will no longer be involved in any way. Tony Cannon, a current developer at Riot Games and also a co-founder of Evo, will act as CEO.
On Friday, Evo gave the following statement to ESPN: “With everything that unfolded yesterday, the entire team is taking the time to reflect, listen and carefully determine next steps.”
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