EVO 2020 Online canceled, Joey Cuellar removed as CEO
Organizers for EVO Online 2020 announced via Twitter Thursday evening the cancellation of their event.
This follows numerous statements from previously prospect attendees declaring decisions to no longer participate in the event after EVO CEO and co-founder, Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar, was accused of sexual misconduct.
Cuellar posted an apologetic statement Thursday evening noting that he was "young and reckless and did things I'm not proud of." He also altered his Twitter bio to read "Private Citizen" as opposed to his status as EVO co-founder and CEO.
This all came after NetherRealm Studios, Capcom, Mane6, and numerous prospective participants announced their withdrawls from the event.
EVO was initially slated to play out in Las Vegas from July 31 - Aug 2 at the Mandalay Bay, but was canceled due to COVID-19. It was then rescheduled (and widely reinvented) to play out online over five week's time and across three different regions of the world.
The main stage lineup was changed as organizers transitioned to having four open tournaments for fighting titles known for having relatively strong online experiences: Mortal Kombat 11, Them's Fightin' Herds, Killer Instinct, and Skullgirls.
There were also multiple exhibitions planned for the event's original nine titles (save for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) but details had yet to be released as to the particulars of said exhibitions.
EVO Statement
In the past 24 hours, in response to serious allegations recently made public on Twitter, we have made the first of a series of important decisions regarding the future of our company. Effective immediately, Joey Cuellar will no longer be involved with EVO in any capacity. We are currently working towards his complete separation from the company and have relieved him of all responsibilities.
Going forward, Tony Canon will act as CEO; in this position, he will take a leadership role in prioritizing greater accountability across EVO, both internally and at our events.
Progress doesn't happen overnight, nor without the bravery of those who speak up against misconduct and injustice. We are shocked and saddened by these events, but we are listening and committed to making every change that will be necessary in making EVO a better model for the stronger, safer culture we all seek. As a result, we will be canceling EVO Online and will be working to issue refunds to all players who chose to purchase a badge. We will donate the equivalent of the proceeds as promised to Project HOPE.
You can view both the EVO and Cuellar's full statements via the screenshots below:
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