Esports World Cup Draws Crowds of Tourists

Crowds of tourists have been flocking to Riyadh to be spectators of the Esports World Cup.

It’s important to note that the 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC) is the largest thus far in gaming and esports events history. The competition runs for eight weeks, with over 1,500 players from 500 elite international clubs from around the world.

The event is currently ongoing at the Boulevard Riyadh City, an 89-hectare mixed-use development at Riyadh’s Prince Turki al-Awwal Road. Spectators can find high-end retail and entertainment shops along the boulevard.

The Esports opened on July 4, 2024, Thursday, and will run until August 24, 2024, Saturday.

What visitors say

During the Esports World Cup competition, visitors from Qatar and Bahrain praised players’ level of professionalism. Moreover, they also admired Boulevard Riyadh City and Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a global tourism, sports, and entertainment hub.

Specifically, Amer Al-Marri from Qatar remarked, “The atmosphere in Boulevard Riyadh City was fantastic.”

In addition, he added about the Esports World Cup, “There were various activities that everyone could enjoy.”

Meanwhile, Bahraini visitor Mohammed bin Mubarak stated, “The Kingdom’s efforts in receiving participants were commendable. The organization was professional and wonderful.”

Earlier in June 2024, the Saudi Press Agency also published a release about how authorities will issue e-visas to EWC spectators. This was in a move to streamline the event. It is the product of a collaboration between the EWC Foundation, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism.

In line with this, for them to obtain the e-visa, they must apply for a 90-day single-entry visa. On top of getting to watch the Esports World Cup, ticketholders can also enjoy sports, entertainment, educational, and cultural activities.

About the Esports World Cup competition

EWC players battle it out in 22 tournaments for a cash prize of over USD 60 million (SAR 225 million). Significantly, it’s the highest-ever prize pot in the esports competition’s history.

Accordingly, by hosting the EWC, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its position as a premier gaming and esports destination. Moreover, this is in line with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

Planning to watch the EWC? The following is the full list of ongoing and forthcoming team games at the Esports World Cup:

TEAM GAMES AT EWC 2024

SHOOTERS

Apex Legends: 1st-4th August

Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 3: 15th-18th August

Fortnite: 8th-11th August

Rainbow 6 Siege: 31st of July to the 4th of August

MOBAS

Honor of Kings: 3rd-25th August

OTHER

SOLO GAMES AT EWC

Starcraft: 14th-18th August

Street Fighter 6: 8th-11th August

Teamfight Tactics: 8th-11th August

Tekken 8: 22nd-25th August

For more information on the Esports World Cup 2024, visit the EWC website at https://esportsworldcup.com/.

Photo: Facebook/Esports World Cup