Recently, the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, has revealed plans for an Annual Esports World Cup. The event is scheduled to debut in Riyadh in the summer of 2024.
This tournament will encompass a diverse array of esports titles across all genres. Additionally, it is poised to feature the largest prize pool ever witnessed in the esports industry.
The Esports World Cup Foundation
The event will be orchestrated by the Esports World Cup Foundation. It is a newly established non-profit organization backed by the Saudi government. Its primary mission is to foster collaboration among esports stakeholders and contribute to the sector’s long-term sustainability.
The Esports World Cup will replace the Gamers8 festival organized by the Saudi Esports Federation. The previous event had an impressive $45 million budget, and was a proof of Saudi Arabia’s increasing interest in esports.
The specific game titles featured in the Annual Esports World Cup have not been disclosed. However, the event is anticipated to represent the most popular games globally, across various genres.
Vision 2030 and National Gaming Strategy
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman asserts that this international competition aligns with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. It is a blueprint unveiled by the Crown Prince in September 2022.
This strategy aims to enhance the growth of Saudi Arabia’s esports industry, diversify the economy, boost the tourism sector, as well as create new employment opportunities. All these will ultimately help in contributing to the goals of Vision 2030.
In addition to the Esports World Cup, Riyadh will host various activities and events designed to entice visitors and tourists. The indoor tournament represents a strategic effort to elevate tourism during the summer season. This aims to lessen the usual dip in tourism during the country’s summer heat.
Saudi Arabia has shown a fervent commitment to becoming a prominent esports hub through various government-led measures. These include the establishment of the ESL FACEIT Group and investments in major game developers.
Additionally, Savvy Games Group is a government-owned entity that announced a huge $38 billion investment plan in esports and gaming in September 2022.
Esportswashing Controversy
Despite these steps, Saudi Arabia’s endeavors have not been without controversy. Critics have described the nation’s involvement in esports as a form of ‘esportswashing.’ It is an attempt to divert attention from concerns about human rights abuses and other issues.
Also, Saudi Arabia’s human rights record has come under scrutiny for matters related to LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and curbs on dissent, among other concerns.
A critical issue raised by commentators and the esports community regarding the safety and protection of players, staff, and attendees at esports events held in Saudi Arabia. Given the human rights challenges, there are doubts about the welfare of those competing in such events.
New Global Sport Conference
The unveiling of the Esports World Cup took place during the New Global Sport Conference. It is a networking event organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and the Ministry of Sport in Riyadh.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that the Esports World Cup represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global gaming and esports hub, growing the economy, tourism sector, and entertainment options for its citizens, residents, and visitors.
As Saudi Arabia steps onto the international esports stage, it faces both the promise of a growing industry and the scrutiny of a world concerned with human rights. The Esports World Cup stands as a proof to the nation’s dedication to embrace the digital age.