Gaming Capital of the World

Riyadh has cemented its position as the esports capital of the world with the conclusion of the Gamers World Cup, a three-week festival of competitive gaming that brought together 1,500 professional players from 70 countries. With a total prize pool of $60 million, it's the richest gaming event in history.

Tournament Results

The event featured competitions across 18 game titles including League of Legends, DOTA 2, Valorant, Rocket League, and Street Fighter 6. The purpose-built Esports Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City features a 20,000-seat main stage and 50 competition pods for simultaneous tournaments.

Economic Impact

The event generated SAR 2.5 billion in tourism revenue, with 60% of attendees traveling from outside Saudi Arabia. Hotels in Riyadh reported 98% occupancy during the event. The Saudi gaming industry is now valued at SAR 30 billion, making the Kingdom the largest gaming market in the Middle East.

Legacy

Saudi Arabia's investment in esports infrastructure includes the establishment of gaming academies, professional team sponsorships, and a commitment to host annual world championships through 2030.