This year marks the debut of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Saudi Arabia, set to be a revolutionary event in the industry with the largest prize pool in esports history, surpassing $60 million.
Unprecedented Prize Pool
Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation and officially announced this past Tuesday, the EWC will bring together players, game developers, and fans from around the globe for an eight-week event in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Key Details:
- The tournament will feature top global clubs competing in 19 esports titles, including Apex Legends, Counter–Strike 2, Dota 2, and League of Legends.
- Teams will choose which games to participate in, with the best-performing team across all titles crowned as the champion of the inaugural Esports World Cup.
Financial Support and Structure
In contrast to other esports tournaments facing financial challenges, the EWC stands out not only for its impressive prize pool but also for its prize distribution structure. Individual rewards include $50,000 for each competition’s MVP, with over $33 million allocated for overall performance rewards.
Financial Highlights:
- Removal of pending entry fees for teams, with any previously collected fees fully refunded.
- Increased revenues for teams from in-game merchandise sales, including team packages and the Champions Pack.
Strategic Significance
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, believes that this new tournament in Saudi Arabia can be a game-changer for the industry.
CEO’s Perspective:
- Reichert emphasizes the positive message sent to the esports community and gamers worldwide by establishing the record for the largest prize pool in esports history.
Spectacular Event Details
The inauguration of the event later this year is expected to attract 2.9 million fans to a space spanning over 60,000 square meters. The venue will include four esports arenas, two musical concerts, and six drone and fireworks shows.
Saudi Arabia’s Investment in Esports
Arabia Saudi continues its significant investment in esports, following last year’s Gamers8 event with a $45 million prize pool. The kingdom has also invested heavily in traditional sports like tennis, golf, and football, aiming to become the global hub for competitive gaming by 2030.
Participating Teams and Featured Esports
The Esports World Cup will showcase some of the world’s top esports organizations and players across a wide range of games. Here are some of the featured teams and esports titles:
Featured Esports Titles:
- PUBG Mobile
- Fortnite
- Street Fighter II
- Tekken 8
- Dota 2
- Starcraft 2
- Overwatch
- FC24
- PUBG
- RENNSPORT
- CS2
- Rocket League
- Rainbow Six: Siege
- Apex Legends
- Mobile Legends (male and female)
- League of Legends
- Teamfight Tactics
- Honor of Kings
- Free Fire
Watch in full: The games of #EsportsWorldCup seen on @SphereVegas.
Which game are you the most excited about?
Riyadh Summer 2024 pic.twitter.com/U9mva5motP
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) April 21, 2024
Participating Teams:
- OG Esports
- Tundra Esports
- NRG
- Fnatic
- Vitality
- Tainted Minds
- G2 Esports
- Virtus.pro
- PSG Talon
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Entropiq
- Karmine Corp
- Natus Vincere
- Guild Esports
- TSM
- Team Secret
- LGD Gaming
- Falcons
- Loud Esports
- Gaimin Gladiators
- Spacestation Gaming
- FURIA
- T1
- Cloud9
- Gen.G
- FaZe Clan
- Team Liquid
- 100 Thieves
- Weibo Gaming
These are just a few of the teams participating in Riyadh, with more to be confirmed. While Movistar KOI has been officially announced by the tournament, other clubs are expected to join the competition as well.
Conclusion
The Esports World Cup not only aims to be a cornerstone in the world of esports but also to enhance Saudi Arabia’s international image.
By steering away from public funding and relying on a combination of national financing and sponsorship agreements, the tournament seeks to elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile and establish itself as a leading force in the esports landscape.
Esports World Cup 2024 Sets Record with $60 Million Prize Pool