Esports Orgs Offer Support To Ukrainian Players And Communities
Following that Russia has invaded Ukraine, a wealth of esports organisations have begun to offer their support through social media awareness campaigns and providing safe havens for professional gamers to relocate to.
The tensions between the two countries, and the impact that it could have on esports professionals, was recently highlighted by Apex Legends players, fearing that an invasion could do more than ruin careers. As the news broke that missiles and bombs had been fired at targets in Ukraine, the country which has bred a rich history in esports has now looked to the wider community for help.
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Esports Organisations Take To Social Media To Show Support For Ukraine
To show support towards the Ukrainian community, various esports organisations took to Twitter to change their logos to the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, such as G2 Esports, Astralis, Fnatic, and the native Natus Vincere.
Na’Vi, who are based out of Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, said: "It is impossible that during this war we pretend that everything is in okay. It is not. We are devastated. Our main goal right now is to try to stay calm and take care of ourselves, our loved one, and those that need help."
Russian-based Team Empire, the reigning Rainbow Six: Siege World Champions, also took to social media to condemn the violence. In a statement, they said: "During our long and decorated history our esports club was a place that united different people, players and fans alike, from different parts of the world. Our aim was to unite people and make esports a better place with no borders and the principle of free communication.
"Today we stand AGAINST the war, against this whole conflict, as we prefer to battle only on sports and esports virtual arenas!"
With many Ukrainian esports players based in cities such as Kyiv, Team Liquid Founder and Co-CEO, Victor Goossens, has called for people to get in touch if they are aware of anyone needing shelter. Already housing one non-Liquid player due to the crisis, the organisation has offered up their accommodations in the Netherlands to those seeking to get out of harm's way.
IEM Katowice 2022 To Go Ahead As ESL Show Support For Players In attendance
ESL Poland, who are currently housing Ukrainian players such as Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev during the IEM Katowice 2022 live event, have also told Polish journalists that the tournament will go ahead as planned, although they are working on a broader action plan to support those attending the events.
"At this point, our priority is to support our players, commentators and employees who may have been affected by this situation," said ESL on social media.
With the conflict between Ukraine and Russia starting in the early hours of February 24, the esports community has rallied to show support, and will likely continue to offer help to those that need it.
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