Esports World Cup League Launches Today
The league, which has attracted 1,500 gamers from around the world, includes a $60 million prize pool.
The much-anticipated Esports World Cup (EWC) kicked off its inaugural edition today at Boulevard Riyadh City. The PIF-funded tournament, which is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to establish itself as a major esports and gaming hub, will run until August 25.
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The multi-genre competition will see 1,500 gamers from 30 teams flock to the Saudi capital over the next eight weeks. The competition, which will be held annually, includes a $60 million prize pool divided into four categories: $33 million for game championships, $1 million for player bounties, $7 million for qualifiers, and $20 million for a cross-game competitive club championship format.
The arenas will accommodate 1,500 top-tier players engaged in direct competition across 22 events spanning 21 games. The tournament includes game competitions and a championship series for each title and follows a single elimination format, with quarterfinals and semifinals in best-of-three matches, culminating in a best-of-five Grand Final.
The lineup includes games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, as well as popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire.
Saudi Arabia launched the Esports World Cup and Esports World Cup Foundation at the New Global Sports Conference in October last year. The tournament builds off the previously established Gamers8 series.
The event, which will be held annually, aims to fulfill the objectives of Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy. It also lines up with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy and invest in entertainment, sports, and leisure, among other things.
Earlier this week, TikTok partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to promote engagement and content diversity during the Esports World Cup.
The Esports World Cup League of Legends action will be live on Twitch and YouTube, with VODs available for replay.