Call of Duty is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with both Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) and Warzone included in the tournament lineup.
This announcement marks a major addition to an already impressive roster of games featured at the event, further elevating the stakes and excitement for participants and fans alike.
Call of Duty Joins the EWC: An Impressive Lineup
Both Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone will be joining a diverse array of games at the EWC, including:
- Apex Legends
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- EA Sports FC 24
- Fortnite
- League of Legends
- Overwatch 2
Ralf Reichert, the CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasized the significance of this addition: “By adding two amazing Call of Duty games to the Esports World Cup, we have cemented our promise to deliver the world’s best games to esports fans everywhere.”
Prize Pools and Tournament Details
Modern Warfare 3
Modern Warfare 3 will feature 16 teams competing for a $1.8 million prize pool. This segment of the competition is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 18, following the conclusion of the Call of Duty League (CDL) season, which ends with the championship weekend in Texas from July 18 to 21.
Warzone
Warzone will involve 21 teams vying for a share of a $1 million prize pool. This part of the event will occur from July 3 to 6, kicking off the Call of Duty competitions at the EWC.
Total Prize Money
With the inclusion of these Call of Duty titles, the EWC’s total prize money now exceeds $33 million, making it one of the most lucrative esports events globally.
Controversies and Criticisms
Despite the excitement surrounding the EWC, the event has faced criticism due to its location in Saudi Arabia, a country with a controversial record on LGBTQIA+ rights. Prominent figures in the esports community, such as Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez, have publicly declined to participate in the event, citing ethical concerns.
Mendez stated: “It does not align with my personal and professional values, so I’m fine with not lending my time and energy to them.”
EWC: A Global Celebration
The EWC describes itself as “a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom”. This ambitious event aims to bring together the best teams and players from around the world, showcasing their skills across a variety of popular games.
Call of Duty Events
- Warzone: July 3-6, 21 teams, $1 million prize pool.
- Modern Warfare 3: August 15-18, 16 teams, $1.8 million prize pool.
Final Toughts
The inclusion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone in the Esports World Cup lineup promises to elevate the event’s profile and excitement. However, the ethical considerations surrounding the tournament’s location continue to be a point of contention within the esports community.
As the EWC approaches, it will be essential to monitor both the competitive outcomes and the ongoing discussions about the broader implications of hosting such events.