In less than a decade, the Esports World Cup (EWC) has emerged as the most ambitious esports tournament ever. This event not only boasts the largest prize pool in esports history but also features numerous game genres, thousands of professional athletes, and top esports organizations from around the globe.
The Humble Beginnings
The journey of the EWC began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS), which later became the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), launched a charity initiative called Gamers Without Borders (GWB). Unlike traditional esports tournaments, GWB focused on fundraising for humanitarian efforts, providing critical support during the pandemic.
Transition to a Global Phenomenon
Two years later, in 2022, Saudi Arabia expanded its ambitions by introducing Gamers8, an eight-week esports and gaming festival held in Boulevard City, Riyadh. This event not only showcased international esports tournaments but also featured music concerts, pop culture festivals, community activities, and family entertainment. The success of Gamers8 was evident in 2023, with a total prize pool of $45 million, surpassing The International 2021’s record.
The Birth of Esports World Cup
In October 2023, during the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially announced the formation of the Esports World Cup, succeeding Gamers8. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) was established to oversee the tournament, supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. This initiative is a key part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy aimed at diversifying its economy away from oil dependency.
Investment and Future Prospects
The inaugural Esports World Cup took place in Riyadh in 2024, setting a record with a total prize pool of approximately $60 million. The event included numerous competitions across various games and introduced the Club Championship, which awarded $7 million to the top team. Despite commercial success, the tournament faced criticism from human rights organizations regarding its implications for sportswashing. However, the Saudi government emphasized its commitment to creating jobs and fostering a sustainable esports ecosystem.
The second edition continued to build on this success, with Team Falcons defending their Club Championship title and the introduction of the Club Partner Program, which allocated $20 million to support esports organizations worldwide. Notably, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo was appointed as the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup, enhancing its appeal to traditional sports audiences.
The year 2026 marked a historic shift, as the Esports World Cup was held outside of Saudi Arabia for the first time, relocating to Paris due to regional instability. The scale of the tournament expanded, with $30 million dedicated solely to the Club Championship and new games featured.
Support from major gaming publishers and global sponsors has solidified the Esports World Cup's status as a prestigious esports event. Despite ongoing controversies surrounding its funding and human rights implications, the EWC has transformed from a charitable tournament to the largest esports competition in the world, with a promising future ahead.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/apa-itu-esports-world-cup-dan-sejarahnya-hingga-jadi-turnamen-esports-terbesar-di-dunia-18968
