Esports World Cup Transforms Riyadh into Global Hub, Blends Tech, Tourism, Sports, Culture

Riyadh continues to strengthen its position as a leading global destination, showcasing the intersection of digital culture and international tourism by hosting the Esports World Cup.

The event has become a major attraction for visitors from around the world, highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural diversity and technological advancement.

Hosting the tournament at Boulevard Riyadh City marks a significant step that reflects the Kingdom’s notable progress in infrastructure, professional organization, and integrated tourism experiences. It also demonstrates the shift of gaming from neighborhood streets to advanced digital arenas now embraced by the capital with efficiency and distinction.

The seven-week event, running from July 7 to August 24, features over 2,000 international players competing in multiple tournaments covering the world’s most popular esports titles. It offers the largest entertainment experience of its kind globally, with broadcasts in over 35 languages reaching more than 140 countries.

The broad international presence of teams, players, fans, and media highlights the tourism momentum accompanying the tournament. Riyadh welcomed thousands of visitors who enjoyed a unique experience blending modern technology, cultural performances, and local attractions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s image as an inclusive and globally welcoming destination.

During the event, Riyadh is witnessing extensive coverage by international media, with live reports showcasing Riyadh’s cultural and tourism activity and documenting visitor stories, public engagement, and the richness of the overall experience.

In this context, the Esports World Cup Foundation launched the “EWC_Extra” channel on social-media platforms X and Instagram to provide real-time coverage of the tournament in Riyadh, highlighting key moments and player performances. The first week saw a sharp rise in engagement, with a 167% increase in viewership and a 267% surge in video views.

The media momentum builds on the remarkable successes of last year’s inaugural tournament, which attracted over 500 million viewers worldwide, recorded 252 million viewing hours, and peaked at 6.3 million simultaneous viewers at one point.