Cristiano Ronaldo and Saudi Arabia Unite to Host First-Ever Esports World Cup

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has joined forces with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to spearhead the launch of the first-ever Esports World Cup, set to debut in Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2024. This landmark event aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a premier global hub for electronic sports and gaming, aligning with the kingdom’s broader vision to diversify its economy and expand its entertainment and sports sectors under the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.

Ronaldo, currently playing for Saudi club Al Nassr, participated in a high-profile panel discussion in Riyadh alongside the crown prince, where they explored the future of esports and the organizational framework for the upcoming tournament. Expressing his enthusiasm on social media, Ronaldo described the meeting as an honour and highlighted the potential of the Esports World Cup to attract gamers worldwide.

The Esports World Cup will be an annual event showcasing some of the most popular video games globally, featuring a substantial prize pool designed to set new standards in competitive gaming. This initiative not only signals Saudi Arabia’s commitment to embracing innovative sports but also reflects its ambition to become a key player in the international esports landscape.

Ronaldo’s involvement brings significant global attention to the event, leveraging his status as one of the most-followed sports figures worldwide. His recent move to Al Nassr earlier this year under a high-profile contract has already amplified interest in Saudi football. Additionally, a mobile museum celebrating Ronaldo’s illustrious career is slated to open in Riyadh, further cementing his influence in the kingdom.

Beyond esports, Saudi Arabia is also positioning itself as a future host for major international sporting events, including the anticipated 2030 FIFA World Cup and potential hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, underscoring its commitment to promoting inclusivity and gender equality in sports.

This collaboration between Ronaldo and the Saudi crown prince marks a significant milestone in the convergence of traditional sports and esports, promising to elevate the profile of competitive gaming on a global scale while advancing Saudi Arabia’s strategic economic and cultural objectives.