The Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft tournament that is being run by the Finnish eSports Federation is sparking controversy because it only allows men to participate.
The federation wants to “legitimize” gaming as a sport and believe that it can only do so if it allows males to participate in the tournament.
Markus “Olodyn” Koskivirta, head admin of the Assembly Summer 2014 Hearthstone IeSF Qualifier , said in a statement sent to PC Gamer,
“Your information is indeed correct, the tournament is open to Finnish male players only. In accordance with the International e-Sports Federation’s (IeSF) tournament regulations, since the main tournament event is open to male players only. This is to avoid possible conflicts (e.g. a female player eliminating a male player during RO8) among other things.”
Koskivirta then added,
“We would also like to point out that the Finnish eSports Federation is currently lobbying for the equal rights of male and female players in the IeSF tournaments,” Koskivirta cocluded. “This is an ongoing process and we of course welcome any support in this matter.”
Here is the ad for the tournament:
What are your thoughts about women not being allowed to participate?
Related: Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas Announced at PAX East 2014
Source: VG24/7
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