The Esports World Cup kicked off in Riyadh on Monday with a $70 million prize pool and game-themed fan zones across Boulevard City.
The tournament spans 25 titles, from Valorant, a tactical team shooter game, to chess. And there’s a twist this year: When teams lose, their tournament game keys get sealed into a giant resin “totem” trophy, a literal burial of defeat. Gaming and sports are a focus of the kingdom’s diversification strategy and have support from the very top.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in a 2023 interview with Fox News that he loves video games and explained the profit motive behind investing in the industry, which outperforms Hollywood productions.
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