History of Esports World Cup in Timeline

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is an annual international esports tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July to August. Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, it is recognized as the world's largest professional esports event based on prize money and the number of games featured. The 2024 edition boasts a total prize pool of US$62.5 million, distributed across individual tournaments, team qualification rewards, MVP awards, and the Club Championship. Upwards of 25 different esports titles are contested at the EWC.

April 2020: SAFEIS announces Gamers Without Borders

In April 2020, the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sport (SAFEIS) announced Gamers Without Borders (GWB), a seven-week series of esports tournaments to support organizations responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The inaugural GWB had a US$10 million prize pool, with teams donating their winnings to charities. Titles included Dota 2, Fortnite, FIFA 20, PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege, and Rocket League, played online due to pandemic travel restrictions.

September 2022: Saudi Arabia presents the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES)

In September 2022, Saudi Arabia presented the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES) to establish the country as a global hub for the video game industry by 2030, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The NGES includes 86 initiatives across eight focus areas, aiming to produce over 30 competitive games domestically, create 39,000+ new jobs, and rank among the top three countries for professional esports players.

September 2023: EWC and its Foundation formally established

In September 2023, the Esports World Cup (EWC) and its Foundation were formally established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The inaugural Esports World Cup was held the following year as the successor to Gamers8. The competition introduced the Club Championship, a US$20 million cross-game competition, replacing the Club Awards. Team Falcons from Saudi Arabia won the inaugural edition. Esport clubs received financial incentives through the Club Support Program.

2023: Esports World Cup Formally Announced

In 2023, the Esports World Cup was formally announced and the trophy was showcased, although it was formally unveiled in 2024.

April 2024: CNN Article on EWC's Potential Impact

In April 2024, CNN published an article describing the Esports World Cup as potentially being a "pivotal moment in the industry" following large-scale layoffs and declining revenues, also noting Saudi Arabia's investment amid sportswashing allegations.

June 2024: Team Liquid to Wear Pride-Inspired Jersey

In June 2024, Team Liquid announced their intention to wear a Pride-inspired jersey at the Esports World Cup and were permitted to do so, showing support for inclusivity.

December 2024: Magnus Carlsen appointed as official chess ambassador of EWC

In December 2024, Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen was appointed as the official chess ambassador of the Esports World Cup, following the announcement of chess being included in the competition. The Club Support Program was also expanded to 40 organizations and rebranded as the Club Partner Program, with US$20 million allocated to clubs through this program.

2024: Ex Oblivione Declines Overwatch 2 Tournament

In 2024, Ex Oblivione decided not to attend the Overwatch 2 tournament at the Esports World Cup, citing concerns about accessibility and potential exclusion of fans.

2024: 23 Events Played Across 22 Video Game Titles

In 2024, the Esports World Cup featured 23 events across 22 video game titles, showcasing a diverse range of competitive games.

2024: Esports World Cup Trophy Unveiled

In 2024, the trophy for the Esports World Cup Club Championship was formally unveiled in Riyadh. The trophy was designed and crafted by London Silversmiths Thomas Lyte, standing at 60cm and shaped from more than 9kg of sterling silver.

May 2025: GeoGuessr Withdraws from EWC Due to Community Protest

In May 2025, GeoGuessr withdrew from the Esports World Cup after a community protest and blackout of "all major world maps" over sportswashing allegations and human rights concerns, less than 24 hours after the start of the protest.

August 24, 2025: 2025 Esports World Cup dates confirmed to be from July 7 to August 24, 2025

At the conclusion of the 2024 Esports World Cup, it was announced that the 2025 edition would run between July and August of that year, later confirmed to be from July 7 to August 24, 2025, a full week less than both editions of Gamers8 and the inaugural EWC.

2025: Christopher "ChrisCCH" Hancock Declines Street Fighter 6 Tournament

In 2025, Christopher "ChrisCCH" Hancock declined to participate in the Street Fighter 6 tournament at the Esports World Cup, citing concerns about how the event was funded and managed.

2025: Increase in Events and Games

In 2025, the Esports World Cup will increase the number of events to 26 and the number of games to 25, expanding the scope of the competition. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will have two events, one for men and one for women.