The 2025 Esports World Cup, set to unfold in Riyadh from July 8 to August 24, promises to redefine competitive gaming with an unprecedented $70 million prize pool and participation from over 2,000 elite players across 200 global clubs. The event will feature 25 titles, including fan favorites like League of Legends and VALORANT, alongside chess’s debut as a strategic addition.
With last year’s edition drawing 500 million viewers and 2.6 million live spectators, organizers anticipate surpassing these numbers as global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen amplify excitement as event ambassadors. The six-week spectacle will blend high-stakes tournaments with live entertainment, cementing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the $1.8 trillion global gaming industry.
Analysts highlight the event’s potential to boost Riyadh’s tech infrastructure and tourism sector, while investors eye opportunities in Middle Eastern esports ventures. For Asia’s gaming communities, the World Cup offers a platform to showcase regional talent, with teams from South Korea, Japan, and the Chinese mainland expected to dominate key competitions.
