RIYADH: The Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh on Thursday featuring over 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million.
Running from July 10 to Aug. 24, the event will also have the world’s top 200 clubs competing in a new format.
At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points to claim a $7 million grand prize and the coveted trophy.
The over $70 million prize pool also includes $38 million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support at a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.
“The Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress.”
The event, run by the Esport World Cup Foundation, was first held in Riyadh last year with a purse of $62.5 million.
The team competition was won by Team Falcons, from Saudi Arabia, in 2024.
“This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming,” Prince Faisal said.
“It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.”
Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “The Esports World Cup is redefining what’s possible in esports.
“It brings together the world’s top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry.”
