Saudi Arabia is solidifying its status as a global powerhouse in gaming, esports, and entertainment by hosting the most expansive edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC) to date. This year’s tournament has set new records in both size and international reach, drawing more than 2,000 players from 200 teams representing over 100 countries. These competitors will battle across 25 tournaments in 24 different games, including new titles like chess, Valorant, and Fatal Fury, for a historic USD 70 million prize pool—the largest in esports history.
The opening press conference attracted widespread attention from media outlets around the world, further highlighting the global interest in the event.
Unmatched Fan Engagement, Media Reach
Held in Riyadh, the EWC has become the world’s premier esports event, known for its scale, cutting-edge systems, premium content, and immersive fan experiences. With more than 3.4 billion people globally engaged in gaming, esports has grown into a mainstream cultural force. In 2024, global esports viewership surpassed 574 million, and it’s forecast to exceed 640 million by 2027.
Esports World Cup
Visitor attendance is expected to exceed the 2.6 million mark reached last year, thanks to the event’s extended seven-week duration (July 7 to August 24) and skyrocketing ticket demand—sales are up over 30%, with average ticket values increasing by 600% and international purchases tripling. EWC 2025 will be broadcast in over 30 languages across more than 100 countries, with content supported by 80+ media partners. Digital engagement has surged across platforms like Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with a fourfold increase in reach and fivefold rise in interactions.
Strategic Growth, Vision for Future
This year, the Esports World Cup Foundation has expanded its Club Support Program from 30 to 40 participating clubs, welcoming new entries from major markets such as China and India—evidence of the tournament’s widening international influence. These developments are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, a forward-looking plan aiming to create 39,000 jobs and contribute USD 13.3 billion to the national economy by 2030.
The Esports World Cup continues to be more than just a competition—it’s a transformative platform showcasing the rise of gaming as a global cultural and economic force.
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