GeoGuessr pulls out of Esports World Cup 2025 after community outcry
The geography-based guessing game GeoGuessr has pulled out of the Esports World Cup after receiving negative feedback from its player base. The creators withdrew from the Esports World Cup after their initial announcement regarding their participation swiftly descended into a full-fledged dispute. Consequently, the game’s Last Chance Wildcard tournament will no longer be part of the Esports World Cup Festival line-up.
GeoGuessr’s competitive scene and esports potential
Launched in 2013, GeoGuessr challenges players to guess their location on a world map using only Google Street View clues. GeoGuessr quickly became an internet sensation, gaining popularity through streamers and YouTubers. It transformed from a niche geography game to a global phenomenon almost overnight.
The Esports World Cup is one of the most ambitious gaming events to date, featuring multiple top-tier titles and aiming to crown champions across various genres, from shooters to simulators. Major games like Call of Duty, FIFA, and League of Legends are included, making it an esports Olympics that attracts fans and players from around the world.
GeoGuessr faces instant backlash
GeoGuessr announced their participation in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh official on 15 May 2025. At first glance, developers emphasised community participation, growth, and visibility, suggesting that this was a good move for the community.
However, there was immediate criticism of the announcement. Concerns regarding the event’s funding and venue arose on social media and in Reddit posts. Members of GeoGuessr’s official Discord called for the event to be cancelled, and prominent map producers protested by blocking their content.
Major map makers disabled their content in response to the that rocked GeoGuessr, severely undermining both the tournament’s base and the game’s esports potential. Both gameplay and community trust were significantly impacted by this decision. Initially, players felt ignored and retaliated as forcefully as they could, which caused the community’s confidence to be broken.
GeoGuessr’s official withdrawal
On 21st May, CEO Daniel Antell addressed the controversy, stating, “When you tell us we’ve got it wrong, we take it seriously.” Antell emphasised that the decision to participate was made with good intentions, but the community’s reaction could not be ignored. The public post explained the reasons behind their withdrawal, demonstrating a level of transparency that many companies avoid.
Antell stated, “We will not participate in the EWC. Message from CEO & co-founder below: Hi, everyone. I’ve seen your reactions over the past few days regarding our decision to participate in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. When we made that decision, it was with positive intentions. To engage with our community in the Middle East and to spread GeoGuessr’s core mission of letting everyone explore the world.”
Saudi Arabia and the Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup continues to face criticism from industry stakeholders and esports communities. GeoGuessr became the first title to withdraw from the event following backlash from its community.
Concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community and women, persist. The Esports World Cup is organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, which is backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. This fund has supported several sporting and entertainment events within the Kingdom.
