The Esports World Cup kicks off today, after being officially inaugurated with a grand press conference held in Riyadh yesterday, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated event running until 25 August. The inaugural event arrives with record prize money and a promise to transform the Saudi Arabian capital into the epicentre for esports fandom and gaming culture.
The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, led the opening remarks at the press conference, highlighting the tournament’s significance and its expected impact on the global gaming and esports community.
Prince Faisal expressed confidence that the Esports World Cup would offer a unique experience, uniting professionals, fans, and publishers to propel the industry forward and create exciting opportunities for all.
The CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, Ralf Reichert, described the tournament as “a remarkable celebration” that unites the international community through gaming and esports. He emphasised that the event represents a major step forward for the industry, promoting its growth and sustainability. “We are thrilled about the potential of this event to elevate esports to new heights. The competition among top esports clubs and players for major prizes and the prestigious title of Esports World Cup champion will undoubtedly inspire and excite audiences globally,” Reichert added.
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup, highlighted the vast reach of the gaming community, noting that there are currently 3.4 billion players worldwide. He remarked, “The upcoming tournament is an eagerly anticipated experience, and over the next eight weeks, it will lead to an unprecedented transformation in the gaming and esports landscape.” Homran extended an invitation to people from around the world to witness the fierce competition among global club players, making it a truly global celebration of excellence and fostering competition in the esports industry.
The Esports World Cup is taking place at Riyadh City Boulevard, positioning Riyadh as a global hub for esports enthusiasts. The event boasts 22 championships in popular games and a prize pool exceeding US$60 million, making it the largest total prize pool in esports history. Visitors will enjoy a variety of events, activities, and interactive shows suitable for all ages, blending sports, entertainment, education, culture, and creativity.
Global growth of esports and its significance
Esports have seen explosive growth in popularity globally, becoming a multi-billion dollar industry with a massive following. This rise can be attributed to advancements in technology, increased internet accessibility, and the growing cultural acceptance of gaming as a legitimate competitive sport. Esports tournaments now attract viewership numbers rivaling those of traditional sports, with major events drawing millions of online viewers and filling stadiums worldwide.
Hosting the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it positions the Kingdom as a key player in the global esports arena, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and promote cultural and entertainment sectors. By attracting international talent and audiences, the event fosters tourism, boosts local businesses, and enhances Saudi Arabia’s global image as a forward-thinking, dynamic country.
Moreover, the Esports World Cup provides a platform for young gamers in the region to showcase their talents on a global stage, potentially leading to professional opportunities and further growth of the local esports ecosystem. It also highlights the inclusive and unifying power of esports, bringing together diverse communities and cultures through a shared passion for gaming.
Riyadh: the summer capital of gaming and tourism
This summer, Riyadh is thus set to become the capital of gaming and tourism, offering a blend of thrilling esports competitions and a rich cultural experience. The city’s transformation into a global destination for esports underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in this rapidly evolving industry.
As the Esports World Cup unfolds, it promises not only to entertain but also to inspire the next generation of gamers and esports enthusiasts. The convergence of top-tier talent, cutting-edge technology, and passionate fans will undoubtedly make this event a landmark in the history of esports, setting new standards for future competitions.
Free visas for participants
Thanks to a partnership between the Esports World Cup Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism, electronic visas (e-visas) are being offered for Esports World Cup ticket holders.
The initiative aims to streamline the entry procedures for visitors to the Kingdom who wish to attend the tournament and to ensure the success of all international and high-quality events hosted by the Kingdom. Details are available on the Esports World Cup website.
Visitors to the Esports World Cup will have the opportunity to participate in various activities blending sports, entertainment, education, culture, and creativity, hosted by Boulevard Riyadh City. These activities will be suitable for all family members.
Dates unveiled for Riyadh’s New Global Sport Conference
During the run up to the Esports World Cup last week, the Esports World Cup Foundation revealed details of the second edition of the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2024.
This exclusive annual B2B conference, themed “The Future of Fandom”, will be held on August 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following the conclusion of the Esports World Cup.
The NGSC is set to be the largest global event of its kind, serving as a platform to support the development of the gaming and esports sectors in Saudi Arabia. This aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to become a global hub for these industries.
The event will be an integral part of the action-packed Closing Weekend of the Esports World Cup on August 24th and 25th in Riyadh. This weekend also features the spectacular Closing Ceremony of the Esports World Cup and the newly announced Esports Awards. The highly anticipated conference will bring together the biggest names in gaming, sports, business, and technology.
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Photos courtesy SPA and Esports World Cup
