HRH Crown Prince MBS Reveals the Esports World Cup

The Saudi Arabian government has announced the launch of the Esports World Cup, an annual, multi-title competition scheduled to debut in Riyadh in 2024. Revealed by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud during the New Global Sport Conference, the initiative serves as a strategic pillar of the nation’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy, bolster the tourism sector, and establish the country as a premier global hub for gaming and esports. The new event will replace the existing Gamers8 tournament, which previously featured a prize pool exceeding $45 million.

To support this initiative, the government has established the non-profit Esports World Cup Foundation, which will oversee the event and foster collaboration among industry stakeholders to ensure long-term ecosystem sustainability. As part of this organizational shift, the foundation has acquired the Electronic Sports World Cup, a long-standing international gaming championship. Ralf Reichert, former chairman of the ESL FACEIT Group, is set to lead the foundation, reporting directly to HRH Prince Faisal, president of the Saudi Esports Federation.

The announcement drew participation from a wide array of international industry leaders, including representatives from major publishers, tournament organizers, and professional esports organizations. While the specific game titles and participating publishers for the inaugural 2024 event remain undisclosed, the competition is expected to follow a club-based format. Although the project is closely aligned with the Public Investment Fund-backed Qiddiya entertainment megaproject, official confirmation regarding the specific venue or partnership details is pending. The event represents a significant escalation in Saudi Arabia’s investment in the global competitive gaming landscape.