Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, has unveiled plans for an annual Esports World Cup in Riyadh. This monumental event, set to commence in summer 2024, promises to host tournaments spanning a variety of top-tier esports titles, encompassing diverse genres.
The Esports World Cup isn’t just about the games. It’s about the vision. The event is orchestrated by the newly established Esports World Cup Foundation, a government-backed non-profit. This foundation aspires to foster collaboration among esports aficionados and fortify the industry’s longevity.
Replacing the Saudi Esports Federation’s Gamers8 festival, the Esports World Cup is poised to showcase the world’s most acclaimed games across pivotal genres. Although the specific titles remain under wraps, the anticipation is palpable.
The Crown Prince’s dedication to the esports realm is evident. The Esports World Cup aligns with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, an initiative introduced by the Crown Prince in 2022. This strategy aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s esports sector, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals. These objectives encompass economic diversification, tourism expansion, and job creation.
Furthermore, the Esports World Cup intends to offer a plethora of activities and events, designed to attract tourists to Riyadh. Given the region’s soaring summer temperatures, the indoor tournament is a strategic move to boost tourism during these warmer months.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to esports is evident in its recent ventures. From establishing the ESL FACEIT Group to initiating a $45m esports festival and acquiring stakes in prominent game developers, the nation is making waves in the esports domain. In 2022, the government-owned Savvy Games Group unveiled an ambitious $38bn investment strategy in esports and gaming.
In a statement, HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed his enthusiasm for the Esports World Cup, viewing it as a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a global esports hub. He envisions the competition as a catalyst for achieving the Vision 2030 objectives, emphasizing economic growth, tourism, job creation, and world-class entertainment.
