Two Overwatch pros suspended for Transphobic comments

Two Saudi Arabian streamers who were taking part in the Overwatch World Cup 2023 preliminaries, Legendary from Triple Esports and Alivelol from Onyx Ravens, have been banned for making offensive remarks regarding a transgender caster.

Blizzard Entertainment’s team-based multiplayer game Overwatch is currently hosting the annual tournament, the 2023 Overwatch World Cup, inviting competitors from across the globe. The tournament’s co-streaming possibilities for team members and associated broadcasters on platforms like Twitch and YouTube provide fans the ability to watch the game from the perspectives of their favorite players.

However, there was a lot of controversy during the qualifying match between the Polish and Saudi Arabian national teams for the Overwatch World Cup 2023 after two Saudi Arabian streamers made transphobic and toxic comments about a transgender caster. Team Poland decided to change their profile icons to pride flags just before the game, which reportedly prompted the co-streamers, Legendary from Triple Esports and Alivelol from Onyx Raven,  to trash the trans broadcaster CeeBee.

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— Overwatch Path to Pro (@owpathtopro) June 26, 2023

The streamers’ comments spark a massive backlash from the Overwatch community

Legendary and Alivelol referred to the caster as an “animal,” “pig,” and “monkey,” and said that trans persons shouldn’t participate in competitive Overwatch. These vile remarks are not only extremely disrespectful, but they are also unacceptable conduct for streamers of any kind. The players are banned from participating in any official Blizzard esports events as a result of the incident’s fast and intense public backlash. Several fans have come out in favor of the ban and suspensions while rejecting the defense that the streamers are young and inexperienced.

The Overwatch administration highlighted in a statement that the co-behavior streamer’s towards the caster were against their rule of conduct. The event’s organizers expressed regret for the situation and apologized to anyone who was harmed by the statements. They also reaffirmed their commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere for people of all genders and beliefs.

The news comes after a weekend of Overwatch fans fighting homophobes, with some viewers pointing out players with pride flag profile pictures. Recently, Luka “Aspire” Rolovic, an Overwatch League player, was kicked from Team USA and the Vancouver Titans due to accusations of grooming a 16-year-old girl.

It appears that the Vancouver Titans knew about the situation beforehand, which raises concerns about their administration. These incidents highlight the persistent difficulties the gaming industry faces in maintaining inclusivity and respect for all players, regardless of gender identification.

Header: Blizzard