Esports league bans YouPorn’s pro gamer squad

As competitive gaming strives for mainstream acceptance, one of the biggest organizations is forcing out a sponsor that specializes in pornography.

ESL (Electronic Sports League) is blocking any association with pro group Team YP because its primary sponsor is the adult entertainment website YouPorn. The organization, which holds tournaments and ongoing pro seasons for a number of games, is enforcing one of its rules that prohibits any sponsors “widely known for pornographic … or other adult/mature themes and products,” according to an email that ESL officials sent to Team YP. This move comes as a direct order from ESL’s directors in what is a clear effort to purge YouPorn from ESL-backed events despite constant efforts by Team YP heads to separate its esports brand as a “safe for work” spinoff that does no direct promoting of XXX entertainment.