The Esports World Cup Foundation has appointed football legend Cristiano Ronaldo as Global Ambassador for its 2025 event, marking a historic fusion of traditional sports and competitive gaming. Ronaldo will promote the tournament's vision of uniting athletes and gamers worldwide, leveraging his status as a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his recent appearance as a playable character in the fighting game FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves.
EWC CEO Ralf Reichert stated the partnership aims to "spotlight the next generation of athletes" in esports, while Ronaldo emphasized supporting competitors who "rise above and inspire." The football star previously participated in the 2024 EWC launch and closing ceremonies in Riyadh.
Scheduled for July 7–August 24, 2025, in Riyadh, the event will feature 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries and regions competing across 25 game titles. A record $70 million prize pool underscores Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global esports.
