Saudi Crown Prince announces creation of Esports World Cup

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, has announced the launch of the Esports World Cup, an annual event that will include the most popular games.

To be held annually in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh from next summer (Northern Hemisphere), the tournament will have the largest prize pool in esports history.

Announced today during The New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh - with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance - the tournament will see clubs compete across games from various genres to become the ultimate Esports World Cup champion.

The event is the latest example of how Crown Prince bin Salman (pictured below) is using events and international competitions as part of the Vision 2030 transformation plan to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy away from a reliance on oil.

The Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has also been launched with the aim of driving collaboration between esports stakeholders and enhancing the sector’s sustainability.

In a statement released to coincide with the launch, Crown Prince bin Salman advised “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.

“The competition will enhance our progress towards realising 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.”

The tournament will look to accelerate the development of Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which seeks to increase the sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP.

Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said last year it will invest 142 million riyals (US$37.8 million) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming.

Under the plan, the kingdom aims to set up 250 games companies locally, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector's contribution to Saudi GDP to 50 billion riyals by 2030.

Specific details of the tournament have not been confirmed.

The Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has also been launched with the aim of driving collaboration between esports stakeholders and enhancing the sector’s sustainability.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock.