Introduction:
In recent years, esports have transformed from just a hobby into a massive industry that competes with traditional sports in popularity and investment. During the summer of 2025, the Saudi capital, Riyadh, was the stage for one of the largest global events in this field: the Esports World Cup.
This event was not just a video game championship; it was a global model for organizing conferences and exhibitions, combining entertainment, competition, and innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia's ability to host major events to international standards.
First: What are esports?
Esports are professional competitions in video games, in which professional players participate as teams or individuals. They include games such as:
- Counter-Strike 2
- Dota 2
- Free Fire
- Overwatch 2
- and even electronic chess
These tournaments are managed by strict systems, including schedules, standardized rules, and judging committees, just like any traditional sports tournament. They are broadcast live to millions of viewers online and on television, turning into a multi-billion dollar industry globally.
Secondly: Esports World Cup 2025 Championship in Riyadh
1. A global organization in the heart of Saudi Arabia
The tournament was held at Boulevard City in Riyadh over a period of seven weeks (July - August 2025).
- The tournament included more than 25 electronic games.
- More than 200 global teams participated, representing various continents.
- The number of digital views exceeded 750 million views, and more than 350 million hours of viewing through live streaming.
- The prize money was record-breaking, totaling over 70 million dollars, including 27 million dollars for the club championship and a 450 thousand dollar award for the best player (MVP).
This level of organization requires planning similar to what any conference organizing company or exhibition and conference organizing company in Riyadh does when hosting an international conference or a large exhibition.
2. Championship System
- The championship is based on the Club Championship system: teams accumulate points from various games.
- The team that scores the most points across all games is crowned champion.
- This system promotes continuity, as winning a single game is not enough; one must excel in multiple games to maintain the lead.
Third: Falcons – A Story of Global Saudi Victory
One of the most notable features of the tournament was the historic performance of the Saudi team Team Falcons, which became the talk of the world:
- The team participated in 22 games out of 25.
- They achieved first place in the game Overwatch 2.
- They collected 5,200 points to take first place in the world.
- They outperformed giant teams like Team Liquid (4,200 points) and Team Vitality (4,050 points).
- They maintained their title as the world champion in esports after also winning the 2024 edition.
The victory was not just a sports achievement, but a testament to Saudi Arabia's ability to produce professional teams that raise its flag in international arenas.
Fourth: The connection between esports and event organization
Practically speaking, organizing a tournament of this size requires elements that are quite similar to what conference organizing companies provide:
- Licenses and procedures: obtaining approvals from official authorities such as the Exhibition, Conference, and Events Regulatory Authority.
- Exhibition halls, lighting and sound systems, large screens, and technical equipment. Infrastructure
- Design of recreational areas, booths for sponsoring companies, spaces for side activities. The audience experience
- Safety and organization: Comprehensive security and administrative plans for managing crowds of up to hundreds of thousands.
This is exactly like what the Riyadh Conference Organizing Company does when it hosts a medical or economic conference, or what the Riyadh Exhibitions and Conferences Organization implements during large trade shows.
Fifth: Economic and Cultural Dimensions
- Economically: The tournament injected millions of dollars into the tourism, hospitality, and media sectors.
- Culturally: Saudi Arabia has strengthened its position as a global destination not only for exhibitions and conferences but also for digital entertainment.
- Strategically: In line with Vision 2030, this type of event reflects the Kingdom's direction to diversify its economy and develop the events industry.
Sixth: The Future of Electronic Sports in Saudi Arabia
- Riyadh is expected to become an annual stop for this championship, which enhances its status as a global hub for esports.
- Incorporating elements such as booth design and how to implement it in these competitions gives companies the opportunity to showcase their products to a wide audience.
- The Kingdom has the human and technical capabilities to be at the forefront of countries in this field, both in terms of organization and competition.
Conclusion
The Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh was not just a video game competition, but a global model for organizing events and conferences, and a proud showcase for the Saudi Falcons team, which established its position as the world champion.
This event reflects Saudi Arabia's ability to combine entertainment, digital sports, and professional event organization, making it part of the Vision 2030 path to establish the Kingdom as a global hub for exhibitions, conferences, and esports.