Riyadh, August (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 25 أغسطس 2025ء) The tournament was more than just a competition; it was a meeting point for more than 100 countries, with nearly 2,000 professional players from 200 international clubs competing for a record prize pool of over $70 million. This event highlighted Saudi Arabia's role in promoting cultural dialogue and human connection. Players and fans from diverse backgrounds came together, embodying the Kingdom's vision of building bridges of understanding.
Visitors experienced a rich blend of traditional Saudi identity and digital modernity. The event included 32 accompanying cultural and entertainment activities that combined folk arts with modern performances, providing attendees with a comprehensive experience of the Kingdom's cultural diversity.
The tournament demonstrated the economic potential of esports, a global industry valued at over $200 billion. The Kingdom has become a fertile ground for this sector, with more than 250 local companies specializing in games and esports. The event attracted thousands of visitors from around the world, boosting tourism activity in Riyadh by more than 29% compared to the previous year. Visitors engaged in a comprehensive exploratory experience of Riyadh's destinations and the various regions of the Kingdom, strengthening its image as an integrated tourist destination.
This year, Saudi Team Falcons secured the championship title for the second consecutive year, proving that the Kingdom is not just an organizer of global events but also a source of world-class talent.
On the sidelines of the tournament, the Esports World Cup Foundation announced the launch of the Esports Nations Cup, the first tournament of its kind dedicated to national team competitions. This new event reinforces the Kingdom's role as a global platform for developing and shaping future innovations in the esports industry and reflects the growing trend of esports becoming a platform for national pride, similar to traditional sports.
According to Esports World Cup Foundation Chief of Staff Thamer Alshuaibi, the tournament exceeded all expectations in terms of participation and viewership, confirming Riyadh’s new status as a focal point for the global esports industry.
Esports World Cup Foundation Chief Product Officer Faisal bin Homran said the success was not limited to the sporting dimension but also included strengthening the national economy, attracting investment, stimulating tourism, and expanding the fan base.
The success of the Esports World Cup and the Saudi Team Falcons' victory demonstrate that the Kingdom is not merely hosting global events; it is transforming them into a springboard for broader horizons by investing in talent and building an integrated industry.
