OCTOBER | TRENDING
serious issue of event security.
Even despite the threat, however,
attendees to EVO found that it
was only on the tournament’s final
day that metal detectors and bag
checks were put in place. For the
first two days of the event, no such
security measures were in place.
Professional Counter Strike:
Global Offensive player @daps
commented: “Esports is behind
traditional sports in many aspects,
a lot of events I’ve been to have had
gaps in security where something
like this could occur.” Jason Lake,
CEO of e-sports team Complexity
Gaming, echoed the sentiment:
“It’s time esports events (large and
small) double down on security for
everyone in general and players
specifically.”
Following the outcry for
greater security, EVO’s organisers
promised that future events
would meet the standards players
and spectators were expecting.
They said: “While Evo does not
comment on security procedures
(for obvious reasons), it’s very clear
that we need to be more proactive
for 2019 and beyond. The amount
22
of undercover law enforcement at
Evo was unprecedented, and we
will be installing metal detectors
for all days next year.”
An event like the Jacksonville
shooting serves as a reminder that
security needs to be at the top of
the priority list for an event of any
kind, whether it is taking place in
a small gaming café or a stadium
seating a hundred thousand fans.
Festivals, concerts, and other
outdoor events have all put tighter
regulations in place, with an
increased emphasis on making
sure guests feel safe at all times.
It’s about time for e-sports to catch
up.