Saudi Arabia launches Esports World Cup 2024

Image credit: SPA

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled a major initiative on Monday, announcing the inception of the Esports World Cup, set to become an annual event commencing in the summer of 2024.

This global tournament, heralded as the world’s largest of its kind, will not only bolster the gaming and esports sector but also fortify Saudi Arabia’s position as a prominent international esports hub.

Esports World Cup 2024

The launch of the Esports World Cup is seen as a pivotal step toward realising the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

This strategic blueprint seeks to elevate the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over SAR50bn ($13.3bn) by 2030 and generate 39,000 new employment opportunities.

In addition to the tournament, the Crown Prince announced the establishment of the Esports World Cup Foundation, a nonprofit organisation aimed at fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in the esports industry.

These momentous developments were unveiled during “The New Global Sports Conference” held in the Saudi capital, according to a press release.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his vision, stating, “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.”

He emphasised the multifaceted benefits of this endeavor, stating, “The competition will enhance our progress toward realizing 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.”

This ambitious undertaking underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the esports arena.