The 2024 eSports World Cup (EWC) is the inaugural edition of a new annual international esports tournament series in Saudi Arabia.
Organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the event will take place in Riyadh from 4 July to 25 August 2024.
Tournament Details
The 2024 EWC will feature 22 events across 21 different video game titles, including popular esports like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2. With a prize pool exceeding $60 million, it will be the largest esports event ever in terms of total prize money.
The tournament format includes individual game competitions and a Club Championship to crown an overall champion organization. Qualification is through a mix of invites and regional qualifiers.
Controversy and Criticism
The announcement of the 2024 Esports World Cup has sparked debate due to concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. Some teams have opted not to participate, and the esports industry has faced backlash over-involvement with the event.
The 2024 Esports World Cup represents a major new player in the global esports scene. However, its ties to Saudi Arabia have led to significant criticism from parts of the esports community. The event’s success or failure may shape the future direction of esports in the Middle East and beyond.
