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GeoGuessr community maps go dark in protest of EWC ties to human rights abuses
- A group of GeoGuessr map creators have removed their maps from the game in protest of its ties to the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- The protestors accuse the EWC of being a sportswashing tool used by the Saudi government to hide human rights abuses.
- The blackout includes popular maps played millions of times, impacting the game's community significantly.
- Creators have replaced their map locations with random garbage locations in solidarity with oppressed groups in Saudi Arabia.
- GeoGuessr AB is urged to cancel its Last Chance Wildcard tournament at the EWC to end the blackout.
- The EWC, funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, includes multiple games with a substantial prize pool.
- Saudi's involvement in esports through various investments has raised concerns about human rights abuses and sportswashing.
- Riot Games faced backlash for partnering with the EWC, defending the move based on financial benefits.
- GeoGuessr's protest aligns with other individuals and groups rejecting the EWC due to its affiliations.
- In addition to the map blackout, a new challenge in GeoGuessr highlights alleged government-sanctioned abuses in Saudi Arabia.
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