Let the Esports World Cup games begin!

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, right, speaks to the press on Wednesday. (AN Photo)
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Updated 10 July 2025
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Let the Esports World Cup games begin!

  • Features 2,000 players, 25 tournaments, $70m to win
  • Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan hails govt support

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.”


Lackluster Liverpool FC snatch late win at Forest

Updated 22 February 2026
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Lackluster Liverpool FC snatch late win at Forest

  • The Reds stay in 6th place but are tied on points with Chelsea and Man Utd

LIVERPOOL: After having an 89th-minute goal disallowed following a VAR check, the Argentina midfielder scored again in the seventh minute of stoppage time — and this time it survived a video review — to earn Liverpool a 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

The dramatic end at the City Ground centered completely on Mac Allister, who thought he’d scored without knowing anything about it after turning his back on a clearance by Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina.

The ball rebounded off Mac Allister and into the net, but the VAR spotted it had struck his arm and the goal was scrubbed out.

However, he was on hand off virtually the last kick of the game when Virgil van Dijk’s header was spilled by Forest goalkeeper Stefan Ortega. Barely six meters out, Mac Allister could hardly miss as he sidefooted the ball into the net.

There was a VAR check to see if Van Dijk was offside but the goal was given.

Liverpool stayed in sixth place but was tied on points with fourth-place Chelsea and fifth-place Manchester United, whose game in hand is at Everton on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sunderland lost its home comforts on Sunday. It wasn’t long ago that Sunderland were the only Premier League team with an unbeaten home record. Now, the Black Cats have lost two straight at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland was defeated 3-1 by Fulham, which had two goals from Mexico striker Raul Jimenez — one of which was from the penalty spot.

Ten days ago, Sunderland lost 1-0 to Liverpool for its first home defeat of the season.

Also on Sunday, Palace won as doubts swirl around Oliver Glasner’s future.

Glasner’s team dug out a 1-0 win over last-place Wolverhampton thanks to a last-minute goal.

Evann Guessand prodded home a far-post finish after coming on as a substitute.

Ahead of the game, Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup glory last season, was non-committal about whether he would be staying at the club until the end of the season. He has already said he’ll be leaving in the summer.

Wolves stayed 17 points off safety.