GoKawiilThere's a World Cup going on. It's generated a fair bit of controversy, and thousands of French fans are planning to watch the contest.
But it's not the one you're (probably) thinking of.
The Esports World Cup, or EWC, gets under way in Paris this week, after a last-minute move from its usual home of Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia.
Organisers took the decision to relocate the massive tournament to the French capital due to safety concerns over the ongoing conflict between the USA and Iran in the Middle East.
They say finding a suitable venue and installing all the equipment required to broadcast the contest, watched by millions worldwide, in just two months has been a huge undertaking.
For many fans, it's made it possible for them to attend a previously inaccessible event.
But it's also raised questions over the future of the EWC, which has been criticised since it was launched over its links with Saudi Arabia.
The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation. It was created with the support of the Saudi government, and the EWC launched with an announcement from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
It has been a part of the Kingdom's push to become a major player in global gaming - a strategy described by some as "sportswashing".
Critics claim it's an attempt to improve the country's international reputation and distract from complaints about its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws.
... continue reading