By Sagar Mankar 
Every major sport has its grand international sports event or world tournament, like the football World Cup, and cricket World Cup which is played once every four years, while some sports have annual events like tennis and badminton.
With the recent popularity of online sports, every esports lover asks Why don’t they have a World Cup of their own? Now Saudi has the answer.
In a groundbreaking move, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, has revealed plans for an annual Esports World Cup in Riyadh, scheduled to kick off in the summer of 2024.
This groundbreaking initiative is not just about games; it signifies a bold step towards amplifying and integrating the esports industry on a global scale.
Set to be a monumental event, the Esports World Cup is an ambitious attempt produced by the newly established Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organization backed by the government.
This strategic move highlights the nation’s dedication to promoting collaboration and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the flourishing esports ecosystem.
Elevating the Gaming Landscape
The upcoming Esports World Cup is positioned to redefine the landscape of competitive gaming.
It will be an eight-week-long event where multiple esports tournaments for multiple titles like PUBG, DOTA2, COUNTER-STRIKE 2, CALL OF DUTY, ClASH OF CLAN, LEAGUE OF LEGENDS, MORTAL KOMBAT will be played.
The prize pool of the event will be announced soon, but it is sure that Saudi will not let any esports tournament below the $10 million prize pool.
Planned to be a melting pot of diverse gaming genres, the tournament is shrouded in anticipation, with enthusiasts and professionals alike eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the specific titles to be featured.
A Vision Aligned: National Gaming and Esports Strategy
This momentous development is not a secret initiative but rather a strategic step in alignment with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, introduced by the Crown Prince in 2022 set vision 2030.
One of the key points of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aims to not only fortify the country’s esports sector but also contribute greatly to the realization of broader national goals.
These goals include economic diversification, the expansion of the tourism industry, and the generation of employment opportunities within the gaming and esports landscape.
A Strategic Move to Drive Tourism
In recent times Saudi Arabia has changed their approach to converting its economy to a tourism-based rather than just oil oil-producing country.
For that, they created Vision 2030 and introduced various projects like City NEOM, Liberal education, Women’s freedom rights, Driving licenses for women, Golden Visa, Ognaisaing Football Organisations, and hiring Big Sports personalities like Ronaldo, and many more.
By hosting the Indoor tournament, the organizers are not only ensuring a comfortable environment for the participants but also strategically leveraging the event to attract tourists from around the world.
A Flourishing Esports Ecosystem
Some of the recent events signify countries’ commitment to the gaming industry.
The establishment of the ESL FACEIT Group, the execution of a $45 million esports festival, and the acquisition of stakes in renowned game developers showcase the nation’s significant contributions to the global esports domain.
The unveiling of the government-owned Savvy Games Group’s ambitious $38 billion investment strategy in esports and gaming in 2022 further underlines the nation’s steadfast dedication to fostering a thriving and dynamic esports ecosystem.
A Visionary’s Enthusiasm and Aspiration
In an expressive statement, HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz conveyed his profound enthusiasm for the forthcoming Esports World Cup, highlighting its pivotal role in propelling Saudi Arabia towards becoming a global esports hub.
For the Crown Prince, this tournament is not merely an event; it represents an important step towards realizing the Vision 2030 objectives.
Emphasizing the significance of economic growth, the expansion of the tourism sector, the creation of employment opportunities, and the provision of world-class entertainment, the Esports World Cup stands as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to innovation and progress.
Conclusion
In summary, announcing the Esports World Cup in Riyadh marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s esports landscape.
This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Crown Prince signifies its visionary approach to achieving broader economic and cultural milestones outlined in Vision 2030.
With its strategic vision and unparalleled commitment, Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as a global leader in competitive gaming, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation, entertainment, and international collaboration.
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