SonicFox, the winner of the EVO 2024 Mortal Kombat 1 tournament and one of the most respected esports players globally, has announced they will not be competing in the upcoming Esports World Cup due to concerns about Saudi Arabian influence and the country’s stance on homosexuality.
SonicFox’s Concerns Over Saudi Arabian Influence
In a recent interview with VG247, SonicFox shared their thoughts on the Esports World Cup and the growing influence of the Saudi Arabian government on the event. “I’m very vocal about this in terms of the Esports World Cup,” SonicFox explained. “Unfortunately, people like me and other transgender people, a lot of folks like us straight up can’t compete.”
SonicFox’s comments highlight a significant issue in the esports community: the intersection of politics, culture, and competitive gaming. “I don’t actually think it’s a good idea to have this overwhelming government support in the FGC (Fighting Game Community), because what often happens is it discriminates against people,” they continued.
The Plight of LGBTQ+ Competitors
Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its treatment of the LGBTQ+ community, with Human Dignity Trust noting that being gay is considered a criminal offense in the country, punishable by severe penalties, including death in extreme cases. This hostile environment has made it impossible for many LGBTQ+ players to consider participating in events held there.
SonicFox’s Historic Achievement and Stance
On July 21, SonicFox won first place in Mortal Kombat 1 at Evo 2024, earning their seventh Evo title and becoming the second in the world for the most Evo titles won. Despite this impressive track record, SonicFox has chosen to prioritize their safety and principles over potential opportunities at the Esports World Cup.
“Unfortunately, sponsors have been starting to hit me up for the Esports World Cup,” SonicFox explained. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more humiliated than having to say to those sponsors ‘I cannot do this because I am gay.‘” This statement underscores the difficult position LGBTQ+ athletes face when global events are held in regions with discriminatory laws.
Fan Support and Personal Safety
While SonicFox has received widespread support from fans online, attending the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia presents a unique and dangerous challenge. They have faced discrimination online before and handled it with resilience, but the risks associated with visiting a country where their identity is criminalized are too great.