This summer, Riyadh is set to become the global capital of competitive gaming as it hosts the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, running from 7 July to 24 August. Adding star power to this already monumental event, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced that Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated athletes of all time, will serve as Global Ambassador for the tournament.
Ronaldo says sports are “always evolving”
The appointment of Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, marks a defining moment for the Esports World Cup and underscores the rise of competitive gaming on the world stage. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, Ronaldo embodies the EWC’s 2025 theme “Rise Above” — a celebration of pushing boundaries and unlocking human potential.
“Sport is always evolving – and esports is one more frontier,” said Ronaldo. “The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have seen in esports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation.”
Ronaldo’s involvement with the EWC began well before this official ambassador role. He took part in the global announcement of the Esports World Cup’s creation in 2023 and attended last summer’s closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he celebrated Team Falcons’ historic Club Championship win. As Global Ambassador, he will headline this year’s global campaign and even feature as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 official tournament titles.
“With Cristiano Ronaldo, we bridge traditional sport and competitive gaming,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “His presence shines a spotlight on the next generation of esports athletes competing for global glory. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for esports.”
Riyadh becomes a festival of gaming and entertainment
Beyond Ronaldo’s headline-grabbing role, the Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be the largest celebration of esports ever staged. Riyadh Boulevard City will transform into a sprawling 50,000 square metre hub, split into Esports Arenas for mainstage competitions and Festival Areas packed with interactive exhibits, games, and attractions.
The tournament itself is unmatched in scale: more than 2,000 elite players from 200+ clubs across over 100 countries will compete in 25 tournaments spanning 24 different game titles. The line-up ranges from Honor of Kings, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Dota 2 to Rainbow Six Siege, Tekken 8, EA Sports FC 25, Overwatch 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Rocket League, StarCraft II, and even chess. With a record-breaking prize pool exceeding USD 70 million, the EWC rewards both individual mastery and overall club performance.
But the Esports World Cup is more than a tournament — it’s a full-scale entertainment festival. Visitors can enjoy live concerts (past editions have welcomed stars like G-Eazy, Sebastian Ingrosso, Amr Diab, and Tamer Hosny), meet-and-greet sessions with top players and streamers, plus interactive zones featuring content from more than 35 major gaming franchises. An array of food and beverage stalls across Boulevard City ensures a vibrant atmosphere from 6 PM to 2 AM daily.
Tickets, travel and how to join the action
The Esports World Cup welcomes fans of all ages, with tickets tailored to every type of visitor. Options range from a one-day pass at SAR 110 to a Weekly All Access Pass for SAR 999, which includes fast-track entry, festival access, and a limited-edition goodie bag. More ticket types — such as the Champions Pass and focused Tournament Passes — will be released soon.
For international visitors, Saudi Arabia offers streamlined entry: citizens of GCC countries can enter visa-free, while most others can apply online at visa.visitsaudi.com. Boulevard City provides 2,000 parking bays, valet services, and accessible facilities, all designed to ensure a smooth festival experience.
Where to learn more
Tickets, schedules, and travel details are available at esportsworldcup.com. Fans can also follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn for updates. Meanwhile, “Esports World Cup: Level Up,” a five-part docuseries directed by Emmy winner R.J. Cutler, is now streaming on Prime Video, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this global phenomenon.
As Ronaldo puts it, “The spirit of competition is universal — whether on the pitch or behind a screen. This summer in Riyadh, the world comes together to celebrate it.”
