In less than a decade, the Esports World Cup (EWC) has transformed into the most ambitious esports tournament to date. This event not only boasts the largest prize pool in esports history but also features numerous game categories, thousands of professional athletes, and top esports organizations from around the globe.
The inception of the EWC can be traced back to a charity tournament initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This tournament laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's strategy to develop the global gaming industry as part of its Vision 2030 initiative.
The Origins of the Esports World Cup
The beginnings of the EWC date back to 2020, a time when the pandemic halted nearly all sporting events worldwide. During this period, the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS), which later became known as the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), launched Gamers Without Borders (GWB). Unlike typical esports tournaments, GWB was a charity-focused event where all prize money was donated to various international humanitarian organizations to aid in pandemic relief efforts.
This concept gained significant attention, successfully bringing together top players while raising substantial funds for social causes. This pivotal moment set the foundation for an international esports ecosystem that would continue to grow in the following years.
Expansion and Growth of Esports in Saudi Arabia
By 2022, Saudi Arabia sought to expand its ambitions with the introduction of Gamers8, an eight-week esports and gaming festival held in Boulevard City, Riyadh. This festival not only featured a variety of international esports tournaments but also included music concerts, pop culture festivals, community activities, and family entertainment.
The success of Gamers8 was evident in 2023, as the event recorded a total prize pool of $45 million, surpassing The International 2021's record for the largest esports prize pool at that time. Additionally, Gamers8 launched the Club Awards, a cross-game competition recognizing top esports organizations based on their overall performance across various games. This concept evolved into the Club Championship, a key feature of the current Esports World Cup.
The Birth of the Esports World Cup
In October 2023, during the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman officially announced the establishment of the Esports World Cup as the successor to Gamers8. Alongside this announcement, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), now known as the Esports Foundation, was formed to oversee the tournament's organization. Funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, this foundation aims to elevate the tournament to international esports standards.
The EWC is not just another esports tournament; it represents a pivotal element of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at reducing the country's economic dependency on oil. Through the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES), the government plans to create over 39,000 new jobs in the gaming and esports sectors, positioning the nation as a leading esports hub globally.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The inaugural Esports World Cup will take place in Riyadh in 2024, setting a record with a prize pool of approximately $60 million, marking it as the largest esports tournament ever. Alongside multiple cross-game competitions, the EWC will feature the Club Championship, offering a staggering $7 million to the winning team. The Saudi team, Team Falcons, triumphed in the first Club Championship.
Despite its commercial success, the EWC's inaugural event faced criticism from human rights organizations, which labeled it as a form of sportswashing. The Saudi government has refuted these claims, asserting that the development of esports is essential for national economic diversification.
In 2026, the EWC will move its venue to Paris, France, due to rising security concerns in the Middle East. This relocation is expected to further enhance the tournament's scale, with significant prize allocations for the Club Championship and the introduction of new games.
As the Esports World Cup continues to evolve, its partnerships with major publishers and global sponsors solidify its status as a premier esports event. While it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding human rights issues, the EWC's rapid ascent from a charity tournament to a global esports phenomenon is undeniable.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/apa-itu-esports-world-cup-dan-sejarahnya-hingga-jadi-turnamen-esports-terbesar-di-dunia-18968
