The Esports World Cup is on the horizon, with the tournament's opening just a week away. The esports community was abuzz when Trevor “Quickshot” Henry, a revered former LEC host and League of Legends caster, disclosed his major role in the upcoming Saudi Arabian event.
In a recent X post dated June 27, the South African caster divulged his involvement in the event, stating he will serve as the primary host across 19 different games on a supplementary stream. “The show I’m hosting will cover every game and broadcast 4 days a week, so I won’t be doing any casting,” he shared. Quickshot also expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the excitement that comes with freelance gigs.
However, the announcement wasn't met with universal acclaim. Quickshot previously voiced opposition to the LEC's sponsorship by the Saudi Arabian megacity NEOM. In July 2020, he even highlighted a report by The Guardian that critiqued the "true cost" of Saudi Arabia's ambitious urban project. This stance led to some criticism from the community upon his new role announcement.
Responses to his X post were mixed, with one user expressing disappointment: “I am really disappointed to hear this. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for the League community, but I’ll be unfollowing now. Not that it matters to you, but maybe you appreciate the feedback, I dont know.” Some fans speculated that Quickshot's decision might stem from financial pressures after leaving Riot Games, though not everyone finds this a sufficient excuse, with a Reddit comment accusing him of compromising his morals.
The 2024 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be a monumental event, starting on July 4 and spanning over a month and a half. The competition will showcase 21 esports titles, including heavyweights like League, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota 2, promising an electrifying experience for fans around the globe.
The controversy surrounding Quickshot's participation underscores the complex interplay between personal beliefs, professional opportunities, and the esports community's expectations. As the Esports World Cup draws near, it remains to be seen how this debate will evolve and what impact it may have on the event's reception.
