Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans for the Esports World Cup, an annual event set to kick off in Riyadh by the summer of 2024. Billed as the largest global tournament of its kind, the competition will bolster the gaming and esports sectors, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a key international hub for esports.
The tournament launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to significantly increase the sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP by over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) by 2030 while generating 39,000 new employment opportunities. Additionally, the crown prince announced the establishment of the Esports World Cup Foundation, a nonprofit entity designed to foster collaboration among esports stakeholders.
These major developments were revealed during “The New Global Sports Conference” in the Saudi capital. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized, “The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry.”
He further stated, “The competition will enhance our progress towards realizing the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.”
Promoting the esports sector holds paramount importance for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts in line with the Vision 2030 agenda. The annual Esports World Cup is poised not only to enhance the economic landscape but also to boost tourism in the Kingdom.
The tournament will encompass a range of popular games spanning various genres, boasting unprecedented prize pools for winners in esports history. Moreover, the event will feature a diverse array of activities and attractions for attendees.
The Esports World Cup Foundation is set to disclose further details about the event in the initial months of 2024. This announcement marks a significant stride towards establishing Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the esports industry.
