Prominent fighting game community (FGC) figure and commentator Sajam has officially stepped away from all future EVO events, citing the organization’s acquisition by the Saudi Arabian government as his primary reason for departure.
A Stand Against “Sportswashing”
Sajam, a vital bridge between the FGC and the broader gaming industry, announced his decision during a recent 12-minute livestream. Reflecting on his history with the tournament, which dates back to 2014, he clarified that his absence is a matter of personal principle. “If the US Army bought EVO, I would also not go,” he stated, drawing a firm line regarding state-sponsored ownership.
Addressing potential counterarguments about corporate ethics, Sajam noted that the issue extends beyond typical corporate greed. He emphasized that the Saudi government’s involvement is specifically designed as a vehicle for tourism and “sportswashing,” which he finds fundamentally incompatible with his values.
The Personal and Financial Cost
Stepping away from the world’s most prestigious fighting game event comes with significant consequences. Sajam acknowledged that the move is “bad for me financially,” noting that he will no longer attend EVO events in Las Vegas, France, Singapore, or any future iterations in Saudi Arabia. This decision potentially jeopardizes his professional partnerships, including a high-profile collaboration with Chipotle.
Despite the personal hit, he remains firm: “It’s a pretty big deal for me as a human.”
Preserving the Grassroots Spirit
Sajam highlighted the unique nature of the FGC, which prides itself on being a community-led, grassroots movement. He argued that the equity of the scene is built on supporting events owned and organized by the community itself, rather than state-backed entities.
He was careful to note that his decision is personal and not a moral judgment on others. “I’m not telling you to feel bad about yourself as a human. No one gets flamed for going,” he said, acknowledging that many fans will still attend and enjoy the tournament.
Frustration with Game Developers
A significant portion of Sajam’s frustration is directed at the developers behind major titles like Street Fighter and Tekken. He expressed disappointment that these companies have become “deeply interlinked” with Saudi-owned events like the Esports World Cup (EWC) without putting up any resistance.
“They’re so blatantly cool with just devaluing their own events. There was no fight,” he lamented. By choosing to step away, Sajam joins other high-profile figures in the FGC who are actively pushing back against the increasing encroachment of state-sponsored entities into the scene.
