Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as the leading global hub for gaming and esports, as announced by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The country plans to organize an annual Esports World Cup, set to commence in 2024. This event will replace the Gamers8 tournament, which took place earlier this year and boasted a prize pool of over $45 million across various esports competitions.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in the esports and gaming industry, including the development of NEOM, a futuristic city. This endeavor is believed to be part of the government’s efforts to improve the country’s international image, given its reputation for human rights violations and anti-LGBTQ+ laws. This strategy has been referred to as “sportswashing,” extending beyond traditional sports to encompass esports.
Mohammed bin Salman views the Esports World Cup as a natural progression for Saudi Arabia to become the premier global destination for gaming and esports. He stated that this competition will contribute to the objectives outlined in Vision 2030, such as economic diversification, tourism growth, job creation, and world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors.
In addition to the Esports World Cup announcement, Saudi Arabia unveiled the establishment of the Esports World Cup Foundation. This foundation aims to have a long-term impact on the gaming ecosystem and will be led by Ralf Reichert, the CEO of ESL FACEIT.
While the specific games featured in the Esports World Cup have not been disclosed yet, it is expected to include prominent titles from the esports industry. Notable organizations like G2, Vitality, NiP, 100 Thieves, Guild, LGD, and Falcons have already committed to participating in the event. Major publishers such as Ubisoft and Take-Two Interactive were also present at The New Global Sport Conference, where the announcement was made. Further details regarding the tournament are anticipated to be revealed in the upcoming weeks.
Esports World Cup Details
| Date | Location | Prize Pool |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Saudi Arabia | To be announced |
Esports World Cup Foundation
The Esports World Cup Foundation has been established to make a lasting impact on the gaming ecosystem. Ralf Reichert, chairman of ESL FACEIT, has been appointed as the CEO of this foundation. Its primary objective is to support and develop the esports industry, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the global gaming community.
Source: DOTESPORTS
