The inaugural Esports World Cup got underway in Riyadh on Tuesday, July 2. The competition, which boasts an incredible $60 million prize pool—the largest in esports history—begins on Wednesday, July 3, and goes through August 25. It features 22 events spread across 21 of the best video games.
“As a gamer from as far back as I can remember, it gives me immense pride when people come to our country and realize just how gaming-passionate a nation Saudi Arabia is,” said Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, during a press conference.
Out of the 35 million individuals living in Saudi Arabia, 23.5 million of them are gamers. This is a staggering number that demonstrates the importance of gaming to our country.
Read also- Taiwan-Based Cooby Secures $1.75 Million in Seed Funding
“But it doesn’t tell you the full story. Gaming to this nation, gaming to me, means meeting a fellow gamer in person or online, and instantly having a connection. That is the power of gaming, and that is the power of the gaming community.”
The event, according to Prince Faisal, promotes Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to generate jobs and add $13 billion to the GDP of the nation
Read also- Indonesian-Based PT Energi Selalu Baru Undisclosed Amount In Pre-Series A Round Funding
“The Esports World Cup, a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom, will connect the global gaming community like never, with its focal point right here in Riyadh. Let the games begin,” he declared.
The Esports World Cup Foundation’s CEO, Ralf Reichert, characterized the occasion as a historic fusion of gaming and sports that would bring people together worldwide and propel the esports sector forward.
