The upcoming Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia is set to make waves in the gaming industry, featuring 25 tournaments across 24 titles over eight weeks and offering an unprecedented prize pool exceeding $70 million.
Supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, the event’s organizers have also launched a $20 million partner fund to assist 40 prominent esports teams, aiming to provide greater stability in a sector recovering from recent challenges. However, the initiative has attracted scrutiny, with some critics raising concerns about the motivations behind Saudi investment in global sports.
Major companies have joined as sponsors, including Aramco, Sony, Adidas, Amazon, and TikTok, highlighting the event’s broad commercial appeal. According to the Esports World Cup Foundation’s CEO, the goal is to unite top games and foster a sustainable ecosystem for players and teams, moving beyond the fragmented nature of previous esports competitions.
The funding model relies primarily on Saudi backing, but also incorporates traditional revenue streams such as sponsorships, media rights, ticket sales, and merchandise to ensure long-term viability. The Kingdom’s focus on esports aligns with its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to create tens of thousands of jobs and tap into a young, gaming-oriented population.
Addressing accusations of “sportswashing,” event organizers emphasize that investment in esports is driven by business interests and the sector’s rapid global growth, not merely by image concerns. The event is positioned as both a business opportunity and a major entertainment showcase for the region.