This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

The company had initially defended the decision to stage the event in the UAE, announced on Sunday, 20 February, saying it had held extensive discussions with the UAE government and local esports partners and teams to ensure"anyone of all gender identities, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, or other individual traits, would be welcomed".