Esports World Cup Kicks Off in Riyadh with Record-Breaking Prize Pool
A landmark event in competitive gaming began today in Boulevard City, Riyadh, as the Esports World Cup (EWC) officially kicked off with a record-breaking prize pool of 51.5 million pounds.
esports-world-championship16Running until 24 August, the event will see 2,000 players and 200 clubs battle it out across 25 tournaments, with games ranging from Call of Duty and League of Legends to chess.
Hosted in a specially built esports village, featuring arenas capable of seating up to 2,000 spectators, the EWC is expected to attract over 2.6 million visitors during its run. The event is operated by the Esports World Cup Foundation, with COO Mike McCabe at the helm.
The tournament forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme, aimed at diversifying the nation's economy and creating 39,000 new jobs.
Nearly 70% of Saudi Arabia's population identify as gamers, reflecting the growing cultural relevance of esports in the region.
Despite its scale and popularity, the EWC has not escaped controversy. Critics accuse the Saudi government of "sportswashing" - using high-profile sporting events to improve its global image amid ongoing allegations of human rights violations.
The backlash was underscored in 2024 when several stakeholders resigned from the Esports Awards after a three-year partnership with the EWC was announced.
