Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia with a $60 mln prize
Is Saudi Arabia becoming the new global hub for esports? The Kingdom’s inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh, featuring a groundbreaking $60 million prize pool, is set to answer that question emphatically.
The ESports World Cup is Scheduled from July 3 to August 25 at Riyadh Boulevard City that showcases the largest prize pool in the industry’s history, distributed across four competitive categories. This elite competition, initiated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is designed to elevate the gaming level and to advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives which include diversifying the economy and boosting tourism.
“The Esports competition will enhance our progress towards realizing the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike,” MBS was quoted as saying at the time.
EA Sports: A Monumental Gaming Event
Hosting over 1,500 players from 30 esports clubs competing in 21 gaming titles, including popular games like Apex Legends, Call of Duty, and Tekken 8, the event promises intense competition and high stakes. The unique cross-game club championship format allows clubs to compete across multiple games, gathering points and vying for a significant portion of the prize money.
E-sports Cultural and Economic Impacts
Beyond the screens and leaderboards, this event aims to significantly impact Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with expectations to contribute over $13.3 billion and create 39,000 jobs by 2030. It’s a strategic move to reduce oil-dependency by leveraging the rapidly growing global esports market, reflecting broader economic and cultural transformations within the Kingdom.
A Festival of Gaming and Culture
Visitors will enjoy more than just tournaments. The event is packed with gaming activations, community events, and pop culture celebrations, making it a comprehensive festival of entertainment. This aligns with efforts to enhance visitor experiences during the typically quieter summer months, tackling the seasonal downturn in tourism and hospitality sectors.
An Enriched Entertainment Experience
The Esports World Cup is also a stage for world-class musical performances. Highlighting this rich entertainment lineup is the renowned Lebanese singer, Nancy Ajram, who will perform at the Abu Bakr Salem Theater on August 15. Nancy Ajram, known for her captivating music and dynamic performances, will share the stage with talented Saudi singer Ayed, ensuring an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Moreover, the Esports World Cup period will see performances from other major artists like Majid Al Mohandes and Tamer Hosny, enhancing the festive atmosphere with a mix of local and international music stars. These concerts, combined with the gaming competition, solidify Riyadh’s status as a burgeoning cultural and entertainment capital.
KitKat, Adidas, STC Group, FIFA, Sony and Rocket League are some of the offical partners of the EWC.
The Esports World Cup in Riyadh is not merely a tournament; it’s a strategic showcase of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning commitment to esports and broader entertainment industries. With global giants like KitKat, Adidas, and Sony as partners, the event is set to be a landmark in both the esports world and Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, the Esports World Cup may well be a precursor to Saudi Arabia’s future as a premier host nation on the world stage.
This epic event represents a pivotal moment in esports and marks a significant step in the cultural and economic evolution of Saudi Arabia. With tickets now available starting at SAR 12, enthusiasts are encouraged to seize the opportunity to witness this historic event firsthand.
