Experience the historic Esports World Cup in Riyadh, where record-breaking viewership, massive prize pools, and a global vision redefine the future of esports.

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Imagine a city where the heartbeat of the gaming world pulses through its streets—a place where players, fans, and creators from every corner of the globe come together to celebrate the thrill of competition and the power of community.

This summer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, transformed into that city as it hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC), setting a new standard for what esports can achieve.

A Global Gathering of Unparalleled Scale

When the Esports World Cup kicked off, few could have predicted the magnitude of what was to come.

Over eight electrifying weeks, more than 500 million viewers tuned in worldwide, consuming a jaw-dropping 250 million hours of content.

The stakes were high, the competition fierce, and the energy was palpable.

Among the most unforgettable moments was the League of Legends Grand Final, where legendary player Lee “Faker” Sang-hook led T1 to a dramatic victory over Top Esports.

With 3.5 million viewers watching live, this match was not just the pinnacle of the tournament—it was a defining moment in esports history.

However, beyond the numbers, the Esports World Cup celebrated community and culture.

Over 1,500 elite players from over 100 countries competed in 22 games, including fan favorites like Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Fortnite.

Riyadh’s Boulevard City, the event’s epicenter, became a bustling hub of activity, drawing over 2 million fans who came not just to watch the games but to experience the full spectrum of gaming culture—community tournaments, concerts, pop culture events, and more.

Team Falcons: The Champions of Champions

As the dust settled, one team emerged victorious: Team Falcons. Competing across 18 of the event’s 22 game championships, including wins in Call of Duty: Warzone and Free Fire, Team Falcons soared to the top with 5,665 points.

Their victory earned them the prestigious title of the first Esports World Cup Club Champions and $7 million in prize money.

The moment was even more special when HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, presented the Esports World Cup Club Championship Trophy to Team Falcons’ CEO, Mossad “Msdossary” Al-Dossary.

A historic achievement marked a new era for the team and the esports community.

Riyadh’s Vision: A Global Hub for Esports

The success of the Esports World Cup was not just a triumph for the players—it was a testament to Saudi Arabia’s bold vision of becoming a global hub for gaming and esports.

HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, highlighted the event’s significance, emphasizing the transformative impact of esports on cultures and societies worldwide.

“For eight successive weeks, this unparalleled event brought the entire international gaming community together like never before,” said HRH Prince Faisal.

“We could not be more delighted with what has transpired this summer—a historic moment that Saudi Arabia and the world will always remember.”

The commitment to this vision is clear, with plans for the Esports World Cup to return to Riyadh in July and August 2025.

As the world’s eyes turn towards the future, Riyadh is poised to take charge of making esports a global cultural phenomenon.

The Celebration of Champions: Beyond the Competition

The Esports World Cup was not just about crowning champions but about celebrating the entire ecosystem that makes esports so unique.

The event concluded with the Celebration of Champions, a star-studded affair featuring live performances by international music icons Steve Aoki and Kid Cudi.

The night was a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and passion that defines the esports community.

The event also hosted the 2024 Esports Awards, the most prestigious night in the industry, where the best teams, athletes, content creators, and games were honored.

Meanwhile, the 2024 New Global Sports Conference brought together thought leaders from various industries to discuss the future of fandom and its impact on business, media rights, and community-building in the digital age.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Esports

The inaugural Esports World Cup was not just a tournament but the beginning of a new chapter in esports.

It showcased the power of gaming to bring people together, celebrate diversity, and create unforgettable moments that transcend borders.

As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, one thing is clear: the Esports World Cup has set a new standard for what esports can achieve, and the best is yet to come.

Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a casual fan, the Esports World Cup reminded us why we love this community—it is not just about winning or losing; it is about being part of something bigger, something that connects us all.