In October 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced the inaugural Esports World Cup as the successor to Gamers8, aligning with the Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy. Spanning from July 3rd to August 25th, 2024, the event will feature 19 titles in a vast venue with four arenas, showcasing diverse formats and regulations.
A highlight is the Esports World Cup Club Championship, offering a separate $20m prize pool to the top 16 organizations. This initiative encourages multi-disciplinary team formation, supported by the EWC Club Programme, which has funded 30 organizations including G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, and T1. However, participation in the programme doesn’t guarantee entry into the Esports World Cup.
Tournament Information
Sport: Esports
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dates: July 3 – August 25, 2024
Administrator: Esports World Cup Foundation
Number of Events: 20 in 19 esports
Prizepool: $60 million+
Website: esportsworldcup.com
Esports Titles
- Apex Legends
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- EA FC 2024
- Fortnite
- Free Fire
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG Mobile
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Rennsport
- Rocket League
- Starcraft II
- Street Fighter 6
- Teamfight Tactics
- Tekken 8
Prize Pool
The 2024 Esports World Cup boasts a record-breaking prize pool of over $60 million, making it the largest in history. The Club Championship format allocates $20 million to esports organizations based on their overall performance across selected titles. Additionally, the Game Championships will feature standalone tournaments in 19 games, potentially exceeding $30 million in prize money. Furthermore, around $7 million will be awarded to qualifying teams, with standout players receiving $1.1 million in total.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, underscores the significance of this record-breaking prize pool and its positive impact on the esports community. The tournament, backed by the Saudi Arabian government, reflects the country’s substantial investment in the gaming and esports sector, evident through initiatives like the partnership between ESL FACEIT Group and Qiddiya City.
Response
The announcement of the 2024 Esports World Cup elicited a mixed response, largely due to concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Despite the country’s significant investment in the esports scene, which amounts to billions of dollars and has led to a rapid industry expansion, it faces ongoing international scrutiny regarding its human rights practices, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and its handling of dissent.
For example, in March 2024, esports organization Ex Oblivione opted out of participating in the Overwatch 2 competition at the 2024 Esports World Cup. The team cited concerns about accessibility for all members of their community and the potential exclusion of their fans from participating in the event alongside them. This decision sparked a mixed response from their followers and the wider community, with some expressing support for their stance while others criticized the organization.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, the 2024 Esports World Cup represents a groundbreaking moment in the global esports landscape, boasting a record-breaking prize pool and a diverse array of tournaments. However, it also prompts reflection on the intersection of sports, entertainment, and geopolitics, particularly regarding a host country’s involvement and the ensuing ethical debates. The decision of some organizations to opt out in this tournament highlights the ongoing tension between competition and principles within the esports community. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial to navigate these challenges while prioritizing inclusivity and upholding respect for human rights on a global scale. Ultimately, the success of the Esports World Cup hinges not only on its spectacle, but also on its ability to address and reconcile these complex issues.
