Add gaming competitions to yet another realm politics has infiltrated. Saudi Arabian gamer Badr Hakeem is refusing to play against an Israeli opponent in this year's Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC). The professional gaming championship brings players from around the world to go head-to-head at the ESWC finals in France. Last year, Hakeem won the title, but won't be defending it. His rational?

Unfortunately, the draw put me against an Israeli player and due to our stand against the Israeli aggression and occupation of Palestine, I raised my voice and said there was no way I was going to play against this guy... I cannot play against a guy from a country that occupies the holy land of Palestine.

There's something to be said about the anonymity of online gaming and services like Xbox Live. Players can set aside national and political differences to focus on important things, like different ways to use the phrase "noob bitch." Brian Ashcraft

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