Largest Gaming Festival Runs Until August 25 in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The inaugural Esports World Cup, the largest gaming and esports festival globally, is captivating audiences at Boulevard Riyadh City. This eight-week-long event, running until August 25, boasts a record-breaking $60 million prize pool, drawing more than 1,500 players from over 60 countries.

The festival features 22 global competitions across 21 leading games, including popular titles like Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and PUBG Mobile. The event has transformed Riyadh into a gaming hub, attracting both participants and spectators from around the world. The SEF Arena, with a capacity of over 8,000, serves as the primary venue, showcasing intense matches and remarkable gaming feats.

One of the highlights of the Esports World Cup has been the stellar performance of Saudi Arabian team Twisted Minds in the PUBG Mobile tournament. The team made it to the survival stage, which saw Turkish team RW NRX securing the top spot with 73 points. Meanwhile, the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters and Counter-Strike 2 tournaments are also drawing significant attention as they progress into their latter stages.

The event not only focuses on competitions but also includes an array of attractions for gaming enthusiasts. The newly opened Saudi Esports Federation Legacy Museum at Boulevard Riyadh City documents the history of esports in the Kingdom, highlighting key moments and achievements of Saudi players and teams. The museum features interactive exhibits and showcases iconic victories, such as Mosaad Al-Dossary’s triumph in the FIFAe World Cup 2018 and the Saudi national team’s victory in the Overwatch World Cup 2023.

Neymar, the Brazilian football superstar, was among the notable figures attending the event. As an avid gamer and player for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, Neymar expressed his excitement about the festival and its impact on the esports community. He mingled with fans and met with Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, emphasizing the event’s significance in promoting esports in Saudi Arabia.

The Esports World Cup exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global esports leader. The country’s strategic investments in the gaming sector, combined with hosting high-profile events, underscore its ambition to foster a thriving esports ecosystem. As the festival continues, it promises more thrilling matches, memorable moments, and a glimpse into the future of competitive gaming.

With a rich schedule of events and a substantial prize pool, the Esports World Cup in Riyadh is set to be a landmark occasion in the world of gaming, cementing the Kingdom’s position on the global esports stage.