Smash World Tour tweeted on November 30th that the championships, as well as the 2023 tour, have been canceled. Days after the announcement, Nintendo released a statement addressing their decision not to provide a license, for Smash World Tour to host events. Nintendo mentioned that the decision was based on their assessment and evaluation of their unlicensed activities.
The upcoming Smash World Tour Championships and the entirety of the 2023 Smash World Tour must be cancelled.
— Smash World Tour 2022 (@SmashWorldTour) November 29, 2022
Full Story: https://t.co/3ro3q7rr4h pic.twitter.com/Gcgcgakdvp
Standards to Meet
Nintendo expressed that in order to grant a license, the partner has to meet the required high standards, which is for the health and safety of the fans. Partners like Smash World Tour should also adhere to guidelines, and conduct professional and organizational best practices. They noted that this is done for all partners, and they aim to correct anything that's done wrong.
Nintendo made it clear that they told the Smash World Tour, that they can continue the 2022 finals event. This is in concern with how it would affect players. They concluded that the cancellation of the event was entirely Smash World Tour's decision, and even went on to say that they care about Super Smash Bros. fans.
Is Panda Global to Blame?
Some fans replied to the tweet of Smash World Tour 2022, implying that Panda Global is to blame for the cancelation. According to IGN, the organizers of the event accused Panda Global of sabotage, claiming that the founder, Alan Bunney, was spreading rumors to potential organizers.
Bunney was supposedly saying that Smash World Tour was getting shut down, casting doubts for partners. LD, a tournament organizer, claimed that it was an effort to scare the partners into signing onto the Panda Cup. He also urged Nintendo to listen to the community, and re-evaluate its relationship with the Panda Cup, as well as Bunney.
Alan spent several months basically running a protection racket telling TOs including BTS "it'd be a shame if your event got shutdown for being unlicensed" in an effort to scare them into signing onto the Cup.
— LD (@LDeeep) November 29, 2022
BTS will absolutely never participate in a circuit led by Alan. https://t.co/8NyqobpHkT
However, Nintendo clarified that the decision was not influenced by external parties, even mentioning Panda Global specifically. They also said in the statement, that they were open to partnering with other organizations. Also, they will continue to offer licenses for major tournaments outside of the Panda Cup.
Nintendo is still open to reviewing proposals for tournament licenses from other groups, and noting that Panda Global will still be a key partner. Despite not issuing a license, Nintendo claimed that they are committed to working hard, and bringing joy and fun to the community through tournaments. Albeit, they operate positively and responsibly.
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For Lighter News
The Smash World Tour getting shut down has been devastating for fans. However, tour organizers are doing the best they can to keep the fun alive. Beyond the Smash has announced the re-opening bracket registration for Mainstage via Twitter, although the registration was only until 6 PM PST.
All venue fees that were received will be paid to Smash World Tour. The event will take place at the Ontario Convention Center in Southern California, and will go on from December 2nd to 4th. People can apply to be volunteers, vendors, artists, exhibitors, or media. They can also attend as spectators if they please.
The Mainstage is a Smash Major brought by the crew that runs the Summit, according to the Mainstage website. Players will compete for one of the 12 Summit qualifier spots, six spots for the Ultimate Summit 6 in March 2023, and another six for Smash Summit 15 in June 2023.
