Momentus Technologies
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read moreMohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, has announced the launch of the Esports World Cup, an annual event that will include the most popular games.
To be held annually in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh from next summer (Northern Hemisphere), the tournament will have the largest prize pool in esports history.
Announced today during The New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh - with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance - the tournament will see clubs compete across games from various genres to become the ultimate Esports World Cup champion.
The event is the latest example of how Crown Prince bin Salman (pictured below) is using events and international competitions as part of the Vision 2030 transformation plan to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy away from a reliance on oil.
The Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has also been launched with the aim of driving collaboration between esports stakeholders and enhancing the sector’s sustainability.
In a statement released to coincide with the launch, Crown Prince bin Salman advised “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 towards 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.”
The tournament will look to accelerate the development of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which seeks to increase the sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP.
Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said last year it will invest 142 million riyals (US$37.8 million) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming.
Under the plan, the kingdom aims to set up 250 games companies locally, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector's contribution to Saudi GDP to 50 billion riyals by 2030.
Specific details of the tournament have not been confirmed.
The Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has also been launched with the aim of driving collaboration between esports stakeholders and enhancing the sector’s sustainability.
Images courtesy of Shutterstock.
17th October 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s NEOM adds to its sustainable tourism destinations
15th October 2023 - IOC President announces plans to create Olympic Esports Games
26th September 2023 - EpicSurf to bring real surfing indoors for first time in Saudi Arabia
23rd September 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman dismisses ‘sportswashing’ criticisms
21st September 2023 - Saudi Arabia’s Alula showcased at ecological restoration conference in Darwin
20th September 2023 - Saudi Arabia hosts global Tourism leaders to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023
13th September 2023 - Over 1,650 athletes qualify to compete for 2023 Riyadh World Combat Games
5th September 2023 - Easing diplomatic tensions to see renewal of home-and-away football fixtures between Iran and Saudi Arabia
27th August 2023 - Saudi Arabia to host Next Gen ATP Finals for next five years
9th August 2023 - Paralympic Sports added to Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games
16th August 2023 - Public Investment Fund establishes fitness and wellness company in Saudi Arabia focussed on women
4th August 2023 - Holn Gaming named Top Esports Club in Lombok, Indonesia
19th July 2023 - Early-bird tickets now available for Fit Summit’s 2024 EMEA Festival in Saudi Arabia
17th July 2023 - Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive looks at opportunities in Saudi Arabia
30th May 2023 - Details released for Singapore’s hosting of first-ever Olympic Esports Week
25th May 2023 - Azulik AlUla desert eco-resort to be developed in Saudi Arabia
3rd March 2023 - FIBO 2023 to include topics of esports and gaming in its program
16th February 2023 - Saudi Arabia announces plans for three new stadia for 2027 AFC Asian Cup
1st February 2023 - Saudi Arabia secures hosting rights to stage 2027 AFC Asian Cup
4th January 2023 - Cristiano Ronaldo move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr to prompt a new era in Asian football
14th December 2021 - FIFA launches new commercial partnership packages for Women’s football, Men’s Football and esports
8th November 2021 - Esports to feature as medal sport at Asian Games Hangzhou
16th December 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia awards Asian Games hosting to Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034
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