GeoGuessr Exits Saudi Esports World Cup Over Criticism

GeoGuessr has pulled out of the Esports World Cup following backlash from players and map creators, who criticized the company's involvement in the controversial Saudi-hosted event scheduled for this summer.

With 85 million users, GeoGuessr reigns as a top-tier geography game that challenges players to identify randomized global locations. It offers extensive customization through developer and community-created options—letting players adjust opponents, map settings (urban/rural), regional restrictions, movement controls, and more, alongside an array of fan-made maps. Its esports prominence has been longstanding.

On May 22, Zemmip—representing creators behind many of GeoGuessr's top maps—initiated a "blackout," disabling maps to protest the company's Riyadh tournament partnership.

"Saudi Arabia systematically targets women, LGBTQ+ individuals, dissidents, migrant workers, religious minorities, and others," Zemmip stated on GeoGuessr's subreddit. "These groups face discrimination, imprisonment, torture, and executions—well-documented atrocities. By aligning with the EWC, GeoGuessr enables sportswashing that distracts from these abuses."

The protest involved dozens of creators withholding maps, including most competitively vital world maps. Organizers vowed to sustain the blackout until GeoGuessr cancels its Saudi event and severs ties with the oppressive regime.

"Human rights aren't a game," their statement emphasized.

After flooded inquiries about missing maps, GeoGuessr announced its withdrawal on May 22, citing community feedback.

"We won't participate in EWC," read CEO Daniel Antell's statement. "Our initial intent was to connect with Middle Eastern players and advance GeoGuessr's mission to explore the world. Since 2013, we've prioritized community—but clearly, this decision conflicted with our values. We're listening and pulling out."

The company pledged to revise wildcard distribution plans soon.

The subreddit's top reply celebrated: "Now that's a 5K"—referencing the game's perfect location-guessing score. Another added, "The community united and won."

IGN has contacted the Esports World Cup for comment.

July's event still features titles like Dota 2, Valorant, Apex Legends, League of Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Rainbow Six Siege.

GeoGuessr's recent Steam launch stumbled—initially ranking as the platform's second-worst-rated game (now seventh). Criticisms included locked solo play, bot-filled amateur mode, and non-transferable browser/Steam purchases.