Friday 13 / June / 2025
Muscat: With just one month to go until the world’s most anticipated esports and gaming event begins, final preparations are underway for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025), a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 through August 24. Organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and hosted at the Boulevard City Riyadh in the heart of the Kingdom, EWC 2025 will welcome more than 2,000 professional esports athletes, representing the top 200 esports clubs from more than 100 countries, who will compete for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, the largest in esports history.
The Esports World Cup is a testament to the remarkable growth that Saudi Arabia and the MENA region’s gaming market is experiencing. According to Newzoo’s 2024 global gaming reports, there are 559 million gamers in the Middle East and Africa, and according to Ampere Analysis surveys 73% of people in MENA watch esports once a month. This rapid growth is capturing global attention and empowers the sector to emerge as a powerful engine of economic development, social connection and cultural influence.
HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said:“Hosting the Esports World Cup for the second year in a row reflects Saudi Arabia’s and the MENA region’s ambition to be at the forefront of the global gaming and esports ecosystem. It’s proof that the region is no longer a spectator in the international gaming scene; it’s a leader.
“EWC aligns with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and is a true testament that Riyadh has become the capital of global esports. We are proud to welcome the world to Riyadh to witness what our region is capable of, showcasing our world-class talent and infrastructure, and our genuine and deep passion for gaming and esports.”
The Esports World Cup symbolises Saudi Arabia and the MENA region’s significant role in the global esports and gaming industry, supporting the sustainable growth of its ecosystem and empowering passionate communities around the world.. The event, now in its second year, enables the growth of the homegrown talent, from grassroots to pros, as regional teams, players, and creators take centre stage in front of a global audience, inspiring the next generation of Arab gamers. EWC also plays a vital role in accelerating the regional economy, positively impacting numerous industries, including entertainment, technology, tourism, retail, and commerce, and unlocking new job opportunities, partnerships, and commercial platforms across the region.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup exists to empower communities, create lasting economic opportunities and firmly position the MENA region as the global heart of esports. By bringing together the best games, the greatest players, and the world’s top esports clubs, we don’t just create the biggest esports tournaments - we invest in sustainable growth, accelerate job creation, fuel regional industries from entertainment to tourism, and showcase the region’s unmatched talent, infrastructure, and passion for gaming”.
EWC 2025 will feature 25 elite tournaments across 24 of the world’s biggest titles, including League of Legends, Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, PUBG Battlegrounds, Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Warzone, CrossFire: Mercenary Forces Corporation, Fortnite, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, Rainbow Six Siege X, Street Fighter 6, Rocket League, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Free Fire, Overwatch 2, EA Sports FC 25, Rennsport, StarCraft II, Teamfight Tactics, Tekken 8, VALORANT, Chess, Apex Legends, and more.
Alongside the competitions, the EWC Festival will transform Riyadh into the MENA region’s ultimate summer destination, blending gaming, music, pop culture, cosplay, food, and family-friendly experiences. EWC Festival will celebrate the region’s unique culture, showcasing its identity to the world, and inviting everyone to enjoy seven weeks of competitions, entertainment, concerts,creative showcases, and much more, promising a summer not to be missed.
