In October 2023, the Saudi Arabian government revealed an ambitious branch of its ‘National Gaming and Esports Strategy’: the Esports World Cup. By bringing together top-tier esports competitors from around the world and placing them in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the region hopes to flesh out its plans of becoming a spearhead in the growth of the industry. In the summer of 2024, the Esports World Cup will be held, offering up a record-high prize pool and replacing the ostentatious and uber-impressive ‘Gamers8’ event that last took place in the region midway through 2023.

Recently, the Esports World Cup Federation revealed a line-up of games that will receive special coverage during the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Over eight weeks, one of the most awe-inspiring events in the history of esports will unfold at what is being dubbed the ‘new home for esports’.

What Games Are At The Esports World Cup?

It has been revealed that the following titles will take to the most impressive stages at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh in just a few months:

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Counter-Strike 2
Dota 2
StarCraft II
Honor of Kings

Most recently, it was highlighted that Honor of Kings, one of the leading MOBA titles, will have a $3 million midseason invitational during the Esports World Cup. There will be twelve teams in attendance and it’ll serve as a qualification ground for the Honor of Kings International Championship that’ll play out later this year. When he revealed the event in October 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said:

‘The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry. The competition will enhance our progress toward realising the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.’

With the deepest of pockets backing the event financially, there’s no end to the potential of the Esports World Cup. In December, a design for a ‘city of the future’ in Qiddiya was unveiled, showcasing a state-of-the-art esports and gaming hub that’ll accommodate thousands of gamers, esports organisations, and studios. It begins with the Esports World Cup, but there’s no way of accurately predicting just where it ends for Saudi Arabia and the esports industry.

For more industry news, stay tuned to Esports.net