Let the Esports World Cup games begin!

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, right, speaks to the press on Wednesday. (AN Photo)
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  • Features 2,000 players, 25 tournaments, $70m to win
  • Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan hails govt support

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh on Thursday featuring over 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million.

Running from July 10 to Aug. 24, the event will also have the world’s top 200 clubs competing in a new format.

At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points to claim a $7 million grand prize and the coveted trophy.

The over $70 million prize pool also includes $38 million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, praised ’s leadership for their support at a press conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.

“The Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress.”

The event, run by the Esport World Cup Foundation, was first held in Riyadh last year with a purse of $62.5 million.

The team competition was won by Team Falcons, from , in 2024.

“This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming,” Prince Faisal said.

“It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.”

Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “The Esports World Cup is redefining what’s possible in esports.

“It brings together the world’s top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry.”