EWC 2025: Largest Esports Event Ever Set to Begin in Riyadh

The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) is set to commence on July 8 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the global esports landscape. The event will feature over 2,000 players from approximately 200 clubs worldwide, competing across 25 tournaments in 24 different game titles. With a total prize pool exceeding $70 million, it stands as the largest in esports history.

Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a nonprofit entity funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the EWC aligns with the kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative. This strategic plan aims to diversify the nation's economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and esports.

The tournament will be hosted at Boulevard City in Riyadh, a state-of-the-art venue designed to accommodate both players and fans. The event is anticipated to attract a global audience, building on the success of previous editions that drew over 500 million viewers and 2.6 million in-person spectators.

The EWC 2025 boasts a diverse array of game titles, encompassing popular genres such as shooters, battle royales, MOBAs, and fighting games. Notably, this year's lineup introduces new additions, including "CROSSFIRE," "FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves," "Valorant," and online chess. The inclusion of chess is particularly significant, with renowned players like world number one Magnus Carlsen and top streamer Hikaru Nakamura expected to participate.

Saudi Arabia's substantial investments in the gaming and esports sectors are part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. The PIF's focus on domestic investments includes a $38 billion commitment to the gaming industry, aiming to position the kingdom as a leading global gaming hub. This initiative is also seen as a means to enhance the country's international image through "sportswashing," a term used to describe the use of sports to improve a nation's reputation.

The inclusion of chess in the EWC signifies a strategic effort to bridge traditional board games with the digital esports arena, potentially attracting a broader audience and fostering cross-disciplinary interest. French grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, who signed a one-year deal with European esports powerhouse Team Vitality, highlighted the evolving landscape:

"Online chess has started to grow around 2005, 2006 with chess.com and the lockdown also played a part with more serious tournaments being taken online."

This integration reflects a broader trend of traditional games adapting to digital platforms to engage younger demographics.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is set to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027, further solidifying its commitment to becoming a central figure in the esports industry.

The 2025 EWC builds upon the success of its inaugural edition in 2024, which featured a $60 million prize pool and participation from 30 prestigious teams across 21 games. The increased prize pool and expanded game lineup in 2025 underscore the rapid growth and escalating significance of esports on the global stage.

As the EWC 2025 unfolds, it not only showcases the pinnacle of competitive gaming but also highlights Saudi Arabia's strategic investments in the gaming sector, reflecting the kingdom's broader ambitions under Vision 2030.