Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia continues to cement its position as a global hub for gaming, esports, and entertainment by hosting the largest-ever edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), setting new records and attracting unprecedented international participation. The event marks a historic milestone in the esports industry, underscoring that it is far more than just a tournament.
The opening news conference drew wide coverage from international, regional, and local media. Speakers confirmed that this year’s edition will be the biggest and most remarkable to date, featuring over 2,000 players representing 200 teams from more than 100 countries. Competitors will vie for a prize pool totaling USD 70 million across 25 tournaments, covering 24 games, including debut titles at the global event such as chess, Valorant, and Fatal Fury.
The Esports World Cup in Riyadh has established itself as the largest event of its kind in terms of scale, innovative systems, premium content, and interactive fan experiences. It reflects how esports have evolved from a niche activity to a global phenomenon, with more than 3.4 billion people around the world regularly engaging in gaming. The global esports viewership reached over 574 million in 2024 and is expected to exceed 640 million by 2027.
Visitor turnout is projected to surpass the 2.6 million milestone achieved in 2024, with the event now extended over seven weeks—from July 7 to August 24. Ticket demand is at an all-time high, with sales already up more than 30% compared to last year. The average ticket order value has increased by 600%, and international ticket sales have tripled.
The tournament will be broadcast in more than 30 languages, reaching viewers in over 100 countries, supported by more than 80 media partners. This year’s edition also marks a major leap in content production, with over 50 hours of high-quality programming presented under the EWC Spotlight in collaboration with IMG, distributed across television channels. The EWC has also seen a surge in digital engagement across platforms including Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with reach increasing fourfold and interactions fivefold compared to previous figures.
The Esports World Cup Foundation announced an increase in the number of clubs participating in the Club Support Program, from 30 last year to 40 this year, with new clubs joining from countries such as China and India — reflecting the tournament’s expanding global footprint.
Hosting the Esports World Cup is a tangible example of Saudi Arabia’s implementation of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to create 39,000 jobs and contribute USD 13.3 billion to the national economy by 2030.
