Apex Legends Esports Cut Hotel Funding

EA Cuts Hotel Funding for ALGS—Apex Legends Esports Divided

The Apex Legends competitive scene is exploding with controversy after Electronic Arts announced that it will no longer cover hotel accommodations for players participating in this year’s ALGS Open, after the start of the new competitive season. While EA will still fund travel expenses, teams will now have to pay for their own stays—an unexpected change that has boosted the already heated debates among players and fans alike.

EA Shifts Focus to Travel, Leaves Hotels to Players

This year’s ALGS is set to be the biggest Apex Legends esports event yet, with over 160 teams flying in to compete at the highest level. In past tournaments, EA covered both travel and hotel costs, providing two shared rooms for three players and a coach. However, due to the increased scale of the event, EA has decided to roll back part of its hospitality support, citing the need to keep the competition “equitable.”

According to an EA spokesperson speaking with esports.gg, the decision was made to ensure that all qualified teams can participate, regardless of location or travel costs. “By covering airfare for all qualified teams, we’re providing a level playing field for players to compete, no matter where in the world they come from or how expensive their travel would be,” the spokesperson stated.

While EA will no longer cover hotel costs, it has promised to assist players in securing accommodations by notifying local hotels, offering discount codes, and providing travel guides with visa requirements. Despite these efforts, many in the Apex Legends esports community feel that this move puts undue financial pressure on competitors.

Pro Players Divided Over the Decision

The Apex Legends esports scene is deeply divided over EA’s decision. While some players see it as a necessary adjustment for a larger, more competitive tournament, others believe it unfairly shifts the financial burden onto teams and players, boosting the pressure placed on professional gamers with an extra expense that many believe should not be placed on them.

Swedish pro John ‘Hakis’ Håkansson from Alliance expressed frustration, suggesting that EA could have easily solved the issue through a revenue-sharing initiative. “It’s 2025, and this could have so easily been solved by just doing a designated skin bundle or merchandise for the Open LAN, which would have crowdfunded all the travel, accommodation, and then some for the 160-team Open LAN,” he posted on X.

Similarly, Danish player Casper ‘Gnaske’ Præstensgaard from Ninjas in Pyjamas supported the idea of pro skin bundles, calling them a “revolutionary” way to fund the esport without reducing player benefits.

However, not everyone is against EA’s decision. Some competitors, like Phillip ‘ImperialHal’ Dosen, believe that players should adapt to the new conditions. “Three to four months to make money for the trip—for all these people, this is a dream come true for them. They just expect handouts because that’s what was given before,” he commented.

Australian player Ben ‘Wxltzy’ Walton from the Falcons took an even stronger stance, arguing that if a player doesn’t believe they can earn back the cost of accommodations through competition, they shouldn’t be competing in the first place. “Those complaining need to just not compete. If you think you won’t earn more than what costs, then why are you going?” he stated.

The Future of Apex Legends Esports

With the ALGS Open shaping up to be the largest Apex Legends tournament yet, the changes in EA’s funding policies highlight the growing pains of an expanding esports ecosystem. While boosting prize pools and increasing accessibility are clear priorities, the financial strain on players could also impact participation, especially for lesser-known teams without major sponsorships.

This shift in funding could also lead to a broader conversation about sustainable revenue models in Apex Legends esports. Player-funded initiatives, like cosmetic bundles or crowdfunding, have been suggested as viable alternatives. If EA and the community can find a way to balance financial feasibility with fair competition, the scene could continue to thrive without alienating the very players who make it exciting.

For now, teams will need to strategize beyond just in-game tactics—budgeting for accommodations has become an unexpected part of the competitive grind. Whether this change ultimately benefits or hinders the growth of Apex Legends esports remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate is far from over.

 

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