Team Orchid's Hambino Drops Out of Esports World Cup

There is more controversy surrounding the Esports World Cup 2025, as Team Orchid, which will be competing in the Apex Legends Championship Series, will no longer have one of its players, Hambino, on the roster. 

Now, the team is looking for a replacement. 

Hambino's Statement

Hambino secured the last qualifying position during the North American regional finals, and now, the Apex Legends player won't be playing. 

"I will not be attending EWC. I do not feel comfortable playing in a country that has laws allowing for queer people to be murdered. I asked EA if an emergency sub would be permitted as I would fear for my life, and they denied it. We were forced to find a replacement last week," Hambino wrote. 

Ramifications of Hambino Dropping Out

By not attending the Mid-Season Playoffs, Hambino cannot earn any Championship Points for the tournament, which is held from July 10 to 13. 

Championship Points help determine the top 32 teams, and those teams then compete in the Global Championship. 

In addition to Hambino, Ryan "ImMadness" Schlieve of FURIA was also questioned by Electronic Arts, who would host an event in Saudi Arabia. 

“It’s odd Apex Legends is marketed as an LGBTQ+ inclusivity game but host LAN in a country where those individuals are deemed illegal. It just seems like exploitation of marginalised communities for financial gain, and drop those beliefs when more money is involved.”

Other Esports World Cup 2025 Controversies

With this event being held in Saudi Arabia, there has been plenty of backlash. 

In May, GeoGuessr drew ire from fans for entering the Esports World Cup. 

That same month, Evil Geniuses, an esports team, said they'll play, but won't be promoting the event. 

These controversies come as Cristiano Ronaldo has been tapped as the Global Ambassador for the event. 

Other players, like Christopher "ChrisCCH" Hankock, said he wouldn't compete in the Street Fighter 6 section of the event “due to the nature in which the event is funded and managed.”

In the lead up to this event, there's been plenty of discussion surrounding Saudi Arabia's human rights record. 

Apex Legends was announced as part of this event in December 2024.