Esports World Cup to return to Riyadh with over $70 mln prize pool
The Esports World Cup will return this summer to Riyadh with a record prize pool of more than $70 million, its organizer said on Thursday, as Saudi Arabia continues its push to become a global gaming hub.
This year's tournament will expand to 24 games, adding chess and Riot Games' popular shooter 'Valorant' to last year's roster of 21 games.
For more news on sports in Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page.
As competitive gaming moves into the mainstream and attracts deep-pocketed investors, Saudi Arabia is betting big on the industry and will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027, under a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee.
'What has been built organically through the last 25 years now gets supported by public interest,' Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation told Reuters, adding that the investment is part of a 'clear economic agenda.'
The event is part of Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' economic diversification strategy, which has seen billions invested in various sports events.
The inclusion of Chess, the centuries-old board game, in the esports tournament comes after it experienced a significant revival during the pandemic and continues to thrive through competitions organized on platforms like Chess.com.
Reichert said eight of the world's top-ranked 10 players have signed with up esports clubs, with Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi confirmed to compete at the tournament this year.
The total prize pool, up from $60 million last year, will be split between game champions and a $25 million fund earmarked for clubs to nurture talent and support players.
That funding could be key for an industry that has been rocked by financial instability, as several teams that surged in popularity during the pandemic have since faltered in a very capital-heavy industry.
Last month, the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund-owned Scopely bought Niantic Labs' gaming division, the force behind the hit augmented reality game 'Pokemon Go', for $3.5 billion.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
2 hours ago
- Leaders
AI-Powered Drone 'Falcon' Revolutionizes Firefighting, Rescue During Hajj 2025
For the first time, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has unveiled the AI-powered 'Falcon' drone to enhance firefighting and rescue operations during the Hajj 2025 season. This innovative deployment aims to address emergencies in high-risk or hard-to-reach areas, ensuring pilgrims' safety. Drone Falcon Advanced Features Enhance Emergency Response The drone 'Falcon' operates continuously for up to 12 hours, reaching high altitudes while carrying a payload of approximately 40 kilograms. Equipped with multi-purpose firefighting capabilities, rescue systems, thermal imaging cameras, and live site transmission, it integrates seamlessly with the central command center. Versatile Applications Across Challenging Environments Consequently, 'Falcon' serves multiple critical functions across diverse environments. These include towering buildings, complex industrial sites, and areas housing hazardous materials. It also operates efficiently in densely populated zones and combats dangerous forest fires. The drone offers remarkably fast response times, significantly reducing risks to human life. Moreover, real-time imaging provides crucial data, enhancing command decision-making capabilities dramatically. The integration of AI-powered drones like 'Falcon' aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, emphasizing technological innovation in public safety. By adopting such advanced tools, the Kingdom demonstrates its commitment to enhancing safety measures during significant events like Hajj. As Hajj 2025 approaches, the deployment of Falcon signifies a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of millions of pilgrims through cutting-edge technology. Short link : Post Views: 1
Arab News
12 hours ago
- Arab News
TNFS Summit spotlights KSA's efforts to combat smoking
The TNFS Summit 2025 concluded on May 29 in Riyadh with the adoption of an ambitious vision for a future free from tobacco-related harm — one rooted in innovation, prevention, and regulatory integration. The summit served as a regional platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange around effective harm reduction policies and the encouragement of safer alternatives. The summit was organized under the TNFS initiative, a strategic partnership between Badael (a Public Investment Fund company), the Quality of Life Program (a Vision 2030 program), and Smart Health as the summit's scientific partner. The event brought together more than 100 experts and decision-makers from within the Kingdom and abroad, representing health organizations, regulatory authorities, and leading academic institutions. Summit sessions reviewed global models for tobacco control, including experiences from Sweden and the UK. Core themes aligned with Saudi Arabia's national strategy included: •Correcting public misconceptions about nicotine and its role as a lower-risk alternative to tobacco, as part of the solution, not the problem. •Evaluating the impact of taxation as an effective tool to reduce tobacco consumption. • Showcasing scientific innovations in reduced-risk alternative products. Official data from the General Authority for Statistics showed that the adult smoking rate in Saudi Arabia dropped from 17.5 percent to 12.4 percent within one year. This decline is attributed to the implementation of comprehensive regulatory policies, tax increases, and the availability of lower-risk alternatives. Participants emphasized that TNFS is a true transformation platform, one that moves beyond awareness toward real impact on policy and societal behavior — reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional model to follow. Organizers announced that the summit would serve as the first in a series of specialized events in this field. During the summit, Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, said: 'We believe harm reduction is the pathway to a smoke-free future. TNFS marks a powerful starting point for Saudi Arabia's national efforts to tackle tobacco use, driven by science, innovation, and supportive legislation.' Salman Al-Khattaf, adviser to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program, added: 'Health is not a choice but a foundation for a dignified life and a productive society. TNFS supports community health and promotes positive lifestyle choices in line with the Kingdom's goals and bold vision.' He emphasized that success in tobacco harm reduction depends on connecting scientific evidence with practical, applicable policies, a core aim of the TNFS partnership. Dr. Sara Al-Rashoud, research adviser at Smart Health, noted that the TNFS initiative reflects a shared commitment across sectors to reducing smoking and achieving a smoke-free Saudi Arabia, especially with nearly 4.8 million adult smokers currently in the Kingdom. Dr. Christopher Russell, a UK-based behavioral scientist specializing in tobacco and nicotine use, estimated that smoking causes approximately 14,200 premature deaths annually in Saudi Arabia. He also predicted that the global end of smoking could be achieved within the next 40 years. Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos shared successful international harm reduction models, highlighting Sweden's achievement in reducing smoking rates from 15 percent to 5 percent over 15 years. This shift contributed to a 41 percent drop in cancer incidence and a 39.6 percent decrease in tobacco-related deaths. He called these outcomes a strategic opportunity for the region. In the session titled 'Tobacco Harm Reduction in the Middle East,' Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qudhib, a Saudi family physician specializing in noncommunicable diseases and tobacco harm reduction, warned about persistently high smoking rates in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon. Public health expert Dr. Mohammad Yaman noted that 85 percent of smokers relapse within months, according to Mayo Clinic studies. He therefore considered the TNFS initiative an important step toward reducing smoking, calling for the model to be expanded and for greater regional collaboration. In closing, participants affirmed that the TNFS Summit 2025 marks a pivotal step in the Kingdom's journey toward a society free from tobacco-related harm. It represents the convergence of political will and scientific knowledge, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading model in adopting harm reduction policies and advancing quality of life.
Arab News
14 hours ago
- Arab News
Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa set to transform rural tourism
AL-AHSA: The lavender carpet was laid out last Wednesday in Al-Ahsa as a special groundbreaking ceremony was held for Tuaja Luxury Resorts, marking the start of a new chapter in Saudi Arabia's rural tourism and hospitality sector. Slated to open by early 2027, three brand new resorts — Tuaja Premium Farm Resorts, Tuaja Eco Resorts, and Tuaja Adventure Resorts — will be operated by Hilton Worldwide. All will be clustered around a central area of Al-Ahsa, surrounded by lush picturesque farms. This trio of tailored activations are expected to play a key role in positioning Al-Ahsa as a leading destination in rural tourism, capitalizing on its location within the largest palm oasis in the world. Attended by Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, governor of Al-Ahsa, the event marked the groundbreaking of the first luxury resort development project by Dan Company under the Tuaja brand and featured detailed mock-ups of the resort rooms. 'We remain committed to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver development projects that meet the highest standards of quality, fulfill the aspirations of citizens and visitors — and align with Vision 2030,' Prince Saud said. Dan Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, was established to unlock the potential of rural tourism across the Kingdom. This inaugural project will transform rural areas into sustainable tourism hubs that align with the goals of Vision 2030, supporting national economic diversification and community development. Dan Company also aims to contribute approximately SR6 billion ($1.6 billion) to the Kingdom's GDP by 2030. Its strategy includes attracting around 14 million visitors, including 1.4 million overnight stays and 12 million day experiences, through an innovative business model that combines luxury hospitality under the Tuaja Luxury Resorts brand, with rural lodges developed in partnership with local communities across the Kingdom. The Tuaja resorts are being developed in the Al-Ahsa region with the support of the Al-Ahsa Development Authority. Saad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kroud, chairman, Dan Company, who describes himself as 'a son of Al-Ahsa,' underlined the significance of the event, saying: 'Today marks a major milestone and turning point in our journey to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences across the Kingdom, celebrating the cultural, historical, and natural richness of the Al-Ahsa region. Tuaja resorts are not merely destinations, they offer an extraordinary blend of authenticity and modernity.' During the ceremony, Abdulrahman Abaalkhail, chief executive of Dan Company, was in conversation with popular media personality Weam Al-Dakheel, highlighting the company's vision to redefine rural tourism through immersive, community-driven experiences. The Tuaja resorts in Al-Ahsa will cover 1.8 million square meters and feature nearly 200 accommodation units, including upscale villas and hotel rooms — some with private pools. These developments represent the first phase of the Tuaja resort portfolio, which will expand to other regions across the Kingdom. Each resort will feature a design identity rooted in the culture and natural character of its location. Dan Company is aiming for LEED Gold certification for all its developments.
