2024 Esports World Cup Explained

2024 Esports World Cup
Sport:Esports
Location:Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Start Date:July 3
End Date:August 25
Administrator:Esports World Cup Foundation
Tournaments supervised by ESL
Events:23 in 22 esports
Purse:$62.5 million

The 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC) was the first edition of the Esports World Cup, an annual international esports tournament series run by the Esports World Cup Foundation, a nonprofit organization funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. It took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 3 to August 25, 2024 and was the world's largest esports event, featuring 23 events in 22 different video game titles.[1]

EWC had the largest combined prize pool in esports history at over, encompassing individual tournament prize pools, rewards for teams that qualify to events, most valuable player awards, and the Club Championship, a cross-game competition that aggregates the individual game results of all participating organizations (known as "clubs" to the EWC) to crown a Club Champion. The Esports World Cup replaced the Saudi Esports Federation's Gamers8 esports festival, which was held in 2022 and 2023.

The Esports World Cup was criticized as being used as a sportswashing tool by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to distract the esports community from its numerous human rights violations; commentators drew attention to the country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and its handling of dissent.

Background

In September 2022, Saudi Arabia presented the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES), which aims to make the country a global center for the video game industry by 2030 in accordance to Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the Saudi economy, create job opportunities, and reduce reliance on oil.[2] [3] The NGES encompasses 86 initiatives spanning eight focus areas: Technology and hardware development, game production, e-sports, additional services, infrastructure, regulations, education and talent acquisition. The Saudi government's goals include producing more than 30 competitive games in domestic studios, creating more than 39,000 new jobs in the sector, and becoming one of the top three countries by number professional esports players.

Pursuant to the NGES, in October 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the inaugural Esports World Cup as the successor of Gamers8, the Saudi Esports Federation's previously existing esports festival, which would be held annually in Riyadh starting in summer 2024.[4] During the announcement—which came during the "New Global Sport Conference" hosted by the Kingdom and attended by both senior government officials and leading figures in the sports, gaming, and esports sectors—Crown Prince Mohammad stated that: "The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry. The competition will enhance our progress towards realizing the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike."[5]

The initial five game titles were announced on February 20, 2024, with additional events being added over the course of the next four months; the final initial titles—the 20th being Call of Duty: Warzone and the 21st being Modern Warfare III—were added on June 12.[6] [7] Strinova was added as an additional title on August 1, 2024. In an article published in April 2024, American news channel CNN described the EWC as potentially being a "pivotal moment in the industry" following large scale layoffs by game developers and declining revenues for professional esports leagues; the article also noted that the event was part of Saudi Arabia's broader investment into sports, media, and entertainment amid allegations of sportswashing.[8]

The eight-week event took place in a 645000sqfoot venue in Riyadh's Boulevard City that featured four separate esports arenas: the SEF Arena (known as the Qiddiya Arena for sponsorship purposes), the 5V5 Arena (known as the Amazon Arena for sponsorship purposes), the BR Arena (known as the stc Arena for sponsorship purposes) and the Riyadh Festival. The stc Play Gaming Hall, also in Boulevard City, hosted last chance qualifiers for some games as well as the Strinova tournament.[9]

Format

The Esports World Cup encompassed 23 tournaments across its 22 competitive titles. Each tournament adhered to its own unique format and rules, while 22 of the tournaments contributed to a larger competition known as the Club Championship.

Club Championship

The Club Championship was a cross-game competition within the Esports World Cup. The championship gave out a total of US$20 million among the top 16 clubs (used by the EWC in place of "organization"), determined by their overall performance in various games throughout the tournament. To qualify for the Club Championship, a club had to finish in the top 8 in at least two competitions, and to win the championship title, the club also had to secure first place in at least one competition. Only participants who were publicly announced as part of their respective organization before June 14, 2024 for most games, or June 28, 2024 for the Call of Duty games, were eligible to earn points for their club. Below is a breakdown of the points awarded based on placement in the individual game championships:[10]

Point distribution per event
PointsPoints
110005110
2600670
3350740
4200820

Club Support Program

The Esports World Cup Foundation's Club Support Program is an initiative designed to provide substantial financial assistance to selected esports organizations. Through this program, chosen teams receive annual financial support to enhance their operations and create more opportunities for professional players. A total of 30 esports organizations were selected to the Club Support Program, 22 of which were invited and 8 were admitted out of over 150 applicants based on past competitive achievements, future strategies, and approaches to fan engagement. As with all other competitors in the EWC, members of the Club Support Program must earn qualification for each game's event and the Club Championship, but they will remain eligible for annual financial rewards irrespective of their qualification status, as well as a one-time payment if an organization wants to enter new esports, particularly those who have a presence at the Esports World Cup. The rewards are contingent upon each member's capacity to enhance viewership and fan engagement for the EWC.[11]

The 30 teams represent the five major competitive regions — Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and the Middle East — with the majority of the teams being primarily based in Europe or North America.

Europe
North America
Asia
South America
Middle East

Calendar

Competitions days
July/August 2024JulyAugust
Week 1Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 8
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Apex Legends<-- 3 --> ●<-- 1 --> ●<-- 2 --> ●<-- 3 --> ●<-- 4 --> ●<-- 5 -->
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III<-- 3 --> ●<-- 16 -->●<-- 17 -->●<-- 18 -->●<-- 19 -->
Call of Duty: Warzone<-- 3 --> ●<-- 4 --> ●<-- 5 --> ●<-- 6 --> ●<-- 7 -->
Counter-Strike 2<-- 3 --> ●<-- 18 -->●<-- 19 -->●<-- 20 -->●<-- 21 -->●<-- 22 -->
Dota 2<-- 3 --> ●<-- 5 --> ●<-- 6 --> ●<-- 7 --> ●<-- 8 --> ●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->●<-- 13 -->●<-- 14 -->●<-- 15 -->●<-- 17 -->●<-- 18 -->●<-- 19 -->●<-- 20 -->●<-- 21 -->●<-- 22 -->
EA Sports FC 24<-- 3 --> ●<-- 16 -->●<-- 17 -->●<-- 18 -->●<-- 19 -->
Fortnite<-- 3 --> ●<-- 9 --> ●<-- 10 -->●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->
Garena Free Fire<-- 3 --> ●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->●<-- 13 -->●<-- 14 -->●<-- 15 -->
Honor of Kings<-- 3 --> ●<-- 2 --> ●<-- 3 --> ●<-- 4 --> ●<-- 5 -->
MobileLegends:
BangBang
Men's<-- 3 --> ●<-- 4 --> ●<-- 5 --> ●<-- 6 --> ●<-- 7 --> ●<-- 8 --> ●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->●<-- 13 -->●<-- 14 -->●<-- 15 -->
Women's<-- 3 --> ●<-- 26 -->●<-- 27 -->●<-- 28 -->●<-- 29 -->
League of Legends<-- 3 --> ●<-- 5 --> ●<-- 6 --> ●<-- 7 --> ●<-- 8 -->
Overwatch 2<-- 3 --> ●<-- 25 -->●<-- 26 -->●<-- 27 -->●<-- 28 -->●<-- 29 -->
PUBG: Battlegrounds<-- 3 --> ●<-- 22 -->●<-- 23 -->●<-- 24 -->●<-- 25 -->
PUBG Mobile<-- 3 --> ●<-- 20 -->●<-- 21 -->●<-- 22 -->●<-- 24 -->●<-- 25 -->●<-- 27 -->●<-- 28 -->●<-- 29 -->
Rainbow Six Siege<-- 3 --> ●<-- 1 --> ●<-- 2 --> ●<-- 3 --> ●<-- 4 --> ●<-- 5 -->
Rennsport<-- 3 --> ●<-- 23 -->●<-- 24 -->●<-- 25 -->
Rocket League<-- 3 --> ●<-- 23 -->●<-- 24 -->●<-- 25 -->
StarCraft II<-- 3 --> ●<-- 15 -->●<-- 16 -->●<-- 17 -->●<-- 18 -->●<-- 19 -->
Street Fighter 6<-- 3 --> ●<-- 9 --> ●<-- 10 -->●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->
Strinova<-- 3 --> ●<-- 6 --> ●<-- 7 -->
Teamfight Tactics<-- 3 --> ●<-- 9 --> ●<-- 10 -->●<-- 11 -->●<-- 12 -->
Tekken 8<-- 3 --> ●<-- 22 -->●<-- 23 -->●<-- 24 -->

Results

Event winners

Apex Legends
Alliance
Effect
Hakis
unlucky
Team Falcons
Genburten
ImperialHal
Zer0
Luminosity Gaming
Fuhhnq
Sikezz
sweetdreams
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Atlanta FaZe
aBeZy
Cellium
Drazah
Simp
100 Thieves
Ghosty
JoeDecieves
Kremp
Nastie
OpTic Gaming
Dashy
Kenny
Pred
Shotzzy
Vancouver Surge
04
Abuzah
Breszy
Huke
Call of Duty: Warzone
Team Falcons
Biffle
Shifty
Soka
Fnatic
Almond
Newbz
Skullface
Twisted Minds
Aydan
Knight
zSmit
Counter-Strike 2
Natus Vincere
Aleksib
b1t
iM
jL
w0nderful
G2 Esports
huNter-
NiKo
malbsMd
m0NESY
Snax
Virtus.pro
electroNic
fame
FL1T
Jame
n0rb3r7
MOUZ
Brollan
Jimpphat
siuhy
torzsi
xertioN
Dota 2
Gaimin Gladiators
Ace
dyrachyo
Quinn
Seleri
tOfu
Team Liquid
33
Boxi
Insania
miCKe
Nisha
Team Falcons
ATF
Cr1t-
Malr1ne
skiter
Sneyking
EA Sports FC 24
jafonso (Luna Galaxy)Young (Tuzzy E-Sports)PHzin (Al-Ula FC)
AbuMakkah (Team Falcons)
Fortnite
XSET
Cold
Edgey
Muz
Ritual
Exceed
Kwanti
Meelks
Okis
Peterbot
Heroic
Fredoxie
Hellfire
Kiro
Th0masHD
Karmine Corp
Anas
Malibuca
Merstach
SwizzY
Garena Free Fire
Team Falcons
COUGAR
COZQ
ONEMORE
ONFIRE
PETER
EVOS Divine
AbaaaX
AimGOD
Bara
Geday
Reyyy
Netshoes Miners
General
NANDO9
Proxx7
Raone7
Honor of Kings
KPL Dream Team
Cat (All Gamers)
Chance (Douyu Gaming)
Fly (Rogue Warriors)
Fox (LGD NBW)
Hai (EStar Pro)
NoFear (JD Gaming)
Pang (Wolves)
Qing (Talent Gaming)
Rong (EStar Pro)
Yinuo (All Gamers)
LGD Gaming MY
Jimmy
JR
Muskang King
Siang
Zhe
Zhihong
Keyd Stars
0ne
Dani
Maynah
Niap
Supinão
ySacer
All Gamers Global
Lived
Myosotis
Qinglin
SNOW
Zaiz
– Men
Selangor Red Giants
Innocent
Kramm
Sekys
Stormie
YumS
Falcons AP Bren
FlapTzy
KyleTzy
Owgwen
Pheww
Super Marco
Liquid ECHO
Bennyqt
Jaypee
KarlTzy
Sanford
Sanji
NIP Flash
Diablo
Hades
JPL
KurtTzy
Vanix
– Women
Omega Empress
Amoree
Ayanami
Keishi
Meraaay
Shinoa
Team Vitality
Chell
Cinny
Fumi
Vival
Vivian
Team Falcons Vega
Chincaaw
Funi
Meylane
Thall
Violet
Victory Song Gamers
Gayleee
Kioway
Minun
Riyaan
Syncro
League of Legends
T1
Zeus
Oner
Faker
Gumayusi
Keria
Top Esports
369
Tian
Creme
JackeyLove
Meiko
Team Liquid
Impact
UmTi
APA
Yeon
CoreJJ
G2 Esports
BrokenBlade
Yike
Caps
Hans Sama
Mikyx
Overwatch 2
Crazy Raccoon
CH0R0NG
HeeSang
Junbin
LIP
MAX
Shu
Toronto Ultra
MER1T
Rupal
SOMEONE
Sugarfree
Vega
Team Falcons
ChiYo
Fielder
Hanbin
Proper
SirMajed
smurf
Stalk3r
ZETA DIVISION
AlphaYi
BERNAR
Fearless
FINN
Flora
Viol2t

Soniqs
hwinn
Kickstart
Shrimzy
TGLTN
Petrichor Road
Aixleft
AZ
Cui71
Ming
Summer
FaZe Clan
curexi
Gustav
Fexx
Jeemzz
PUBG Mobile
Alpha7 Esports
Carrilho
Mafioso
Magrelin
Revo
Reject
Devine
Duelo
Reiji
SaRa
Tianba
GGBond
Long
Lyu
Qzzz
Rainbow Six Siege
Team BDS
BriD
LikEfac
Shaiiko
Solotov
Yuzus
w7m esports
d4sh
Dodez
Dotz
L0BIN
volpz
Team Liquid
Lagonis
Maia
Nesk
Paluh
resetz
Furia Esports
FelipoX
HerdsZ
Jv92
Kheyze
nade
Rennsport
Kevin Siggy (Team Redline)Sebastian Job (Team Redline)Maximilian Benecke (MOUZ)
Team Redline
Jeffery Rietveld
Kevin Siggy
Luke Bennett
Sebastian Job
Team Vitality
Erhan Jajovski
Jiri Toman
Marcell Csincsik
Thibault Cazaubon
MOUZ
Christopher Dambietz
Maximilian Benecke
Moritz Löhner
Yuri Kasdorp
Rocket League
Team BDS
dralii
ExoTiiK
M0nkey M00n
Team Falcons
Kiileerrz
Rw9
trk511
Gen.G Mobil1 Racing
ApparentlyJack
Chronic
Firstkiller
G2 Stride
Atomic
Daniel
nass
StarCraft II
Clem (Team Liquid)Serral (BASILISK)Dark (Talon Esports)
herO (Weibo Gaming)
Street Fighter 6
Xiao Hai (KuaiShow Gaming)Kawano (Good 8 Squad)Tachikawa (Burning Core Toyama)
gachikun (Good 8 Squad)
Strinova
MMR
Fan
ON
Rite
Xiaowu
yzii
Super Shuai
BriBri
BTMC
Kariyu
lyr1c
Tuonto
Nova Guardians
kept
Masuo
SKJsa2
SKJShinka
SoVault
Twisted Minds
ExiT
Fr4nky
Gwzh
Saint
Zimo
Teamfight Tactics
Wolves Esports
LiShao
Serein
Sheltie
YGQF
T1
Binteum
Bobae
dunizuni
sCsC
Team Vitality
K3soju
MilkK
Setsuko
torontotokyo
Twisted Minds
60second
Huanmie
RiYue
Snowy
Tekken 8
ULSAN (Kwangdong Freecs)ATIF (Team Falcons)Yagami (Al Qadsiah FC)
Double (ZETA DIVISION)

Club Championship standings

Key
Colour Result
Gold Winner
Silver Second place
Bronze Third place or equivalent
Green Other points position
Blue Other classified position
RedDid not qualify (DNQ)
WhiteDid not enter (DNE)
TeamCWZLOLFFMSCCS2DOTA2MWIOW2PUBGMAPEXHOKR6FNSF6TFTMW3EAFCSC2RENRLPUBGBT8Points
1Team Falcons1DNE12DNQ33–43–417211–12DNQ5–817–249–1212–163–4DNQ7–821125655
2Team LiquidDNE3–4DNE3–4DNQ2DNEDNE87DNE3–4DNQ17–24DNQDNE5–81DNEDNEDNEDNQ2545
3Team BDSDNEDNQDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE1DNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNEDNE1DNEDNE2000
4Team Vitality9DNQDNEDNE5–8DNE2DNEDNEDNE11–12DNEDNEDNQ3–4DNEDNQ6–725–8DNE9–121650
5T1DNE1DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNE2DNEDNEDNEDNEDNE1917–241600
6FaZe ClanDNEDNEDNEDNE5–8DNEDNEDNEDNQ13DNE5–8DNEDNEDNE1DNEDNE11DNE3DNQ1470
7Gaimin Gladiators21DNE8DNQDNQ15–89–12DNQ4DNEDNE5–8DNQDNEDNEDNQ12–18DNE12–1624DNQ1280
8Natus Vincere5DNEDNEDNE1DNQDNEDNEDNQ30DNEDNEDNEDNE5–8DNEDNE12–18DNEDNE1017–241170
9G2 EsportsDNE3–4DNEDNE219–20DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNEDNEDNE12–16DNEDNE9–103–4DNEDNE1150
10Kwangdong FreecsDNEDNQDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNEDNE511110
11Toronto UltraDNEDNQDNEDNEDNQDNEDNE2DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE5–85–8DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE720
12Twisted Minds3DNQ119–16DNQDNEDNQ5–8138DNQDNQDNE9–123–4DNEDNQ8–11DNE9–12189–12710
13MOUZDNEDNQDNEDNE3–415–16DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE13–16DNEDNEDNE12–183DNEDNEDNE665
14Fnatic25–8DNE9–16DNQDNEDNE9–12DNE18DNEDNQ13–1613–1613–16DNE15–16DNEDNEDNEDNE17–24660
15ZETA DIVISIONDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE3–4DNEDNEDNEDNE13–16DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE3–4550
16Furia EsportsDNEDNQDNEDNE5–8DNEDNEDNEDNQDNQDNE3–4DNE13–16DNEDNE11–12DNEDNE5–8DNEDNE395
16Weibo GamingDNEDNQDNEDNEDNE7–8DNEDNEDNQ385–8DNEDNEDNQ5–8DNEDNE3–4DNEDNEDNQDNE395
18All Gamers18DNQ5DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNE3–4DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE12–18DNEDNE9DNE385
19Talon EsportsDNEDNQDNEDNEDNEDNQDNEDNE6DNEDNQ13–16DNEDNQDNEDNEDNE3–4DNEDNEDNEDNQ345
20Gen.GDNE5–8DNEDNEDNQDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNQDNE3–4DNQDNE335
20Virtus.proDNEDNEDNEDNE3–417–18DNE5–8DNQ24DNQDNQDNE17–24DNEDNEDNQ12–1812DNE23DNE335
22Guild Esports4DNEDNEDNEDNQDNEDNQDNEDNE9DNEDNEDNQ25–32DNEDNEDNQDNE6DNEDNEDNQ270
23DRXDNEDNQDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE4DNEDNEDNEDNE9–12DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE5–8260
24Cloud920DNQDNE9–16DNQDNE5–8DNEDNEDNQDNEDNQDNE17–24DNE5–85–88–11DNEDNQDNEDNQ185
25Spacestation GamingDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE5–8DNE17DNE5–8DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE5–8DNQDNE180
26Team SpiritDNEDNEDNE9–165–87–8DNEDNE27DNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNEDNE90
Championship Notes:

Club Notes:

Prize pool

The 2024 Esports World Cup had a prize pool of, the largest combined prize pool in esports history. The prize money was broken down into four categories: the Club Championship, the individual Game Championships, Qualifiers, and MVP Awards. The Club Championship awarded $20million to the top 16 teams based on their overall performance, while each of the 22 Game Championships had a combined prize pool of $33.8million. Teams earned a combined $7million during qualifying events, and the MVP of each event was awarded $50,000.[12]

Prize money distribution
CategoryPrize
Club Championship$20,000,000
Game Championships$33,800,000
Qualifiers$7,600,000
MVP Awards$1,100,000
Club Championship prize money distribution
TeamPrize
1Team Falcons$7,000,000
2Team Liquid$4,000,000
3Team BDS$2,000,000
4Team Vitality$1,500,000
5T1$1,250,000
6FaZe Clan$1,000,000
7Gaimin Gladiators$800,000
8Natus Vincere$600,000
9G2 Esports$450,000
10Kwangdong Freecs$350,000
11Toronto Ultra$250,000
12Twisted Minds$200,000
13–15MOUZ$150,000
Fnatic
ZETA DIVISION
16–17Furia Esports$75,000
Weibo Gaming

Response

The announcement of the 2024 Esports World Cup was met with a mixed response due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the tournament's use for sportswashing.[13] Saudi Arabia's significant investment in the esports scene, amounting to billions of dollars, has led to a rapid expansion of the industry within the country. However, these developments have occurred against a backdrop of ongoing international scrutiny regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and its handling of dissent.[14] 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.[15]

In March 2024, esports organization Ex Oblivione announced their decision not to participate in the Overwatch 2 competition at the 2024 Esports World Cup. The team expressed concerns about the lack of necessary accessibility for all members of their community and the potential exclusion of their fans from participating in the event alongside them. This decision received a mixed response from their followers and the community, with many expressing support for their stance while others criticized the organization.[16]

In June 2024, the Esports Awards announced that they would hold a ceremony at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh in late August. The announcement was met with criticism from multiple esports personalities. Additionally, multiple stakeholders and personnel, including esports hosts Caleb Simmons and Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez, resigned from the Esports Awards panel.[17] [18]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Was the Esports World Cup 2024 a viewership success?.
  2. News: Yaakoubi . Aziz . October 23, 2023 . Saudi Arabia launches Esports World Cup – statement . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231030151050/https://www.reuters.com/sports/saudi-arabia-announces-esports-world-cup-statement-2023-10-23/ . October 30, 2023 . April 9, 2024 . Reuters.
  3. Web site: 2022-09-15 . Saudi Crown Prince unveils National Gaming and Esports Strategy . 2024-10-11 . Arab News . en.
  4. News: Nordland . Jake . Saudi Arabian Prime Minister announces Esports World Cup . April 16, 2024 . Esports Insider . October 23, 2023 . March 19, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240319112515/https://esportsinsider.com/2023/10/esports-world-cup-saudi-arabia . live .
  5. Web site: HRH CROWN PRINCE ANNOUNCES ESPORTS WORLD CUP . 2024-10-11 . esportsworldcup.com.
  6. News: Richman . Olivia . Esports World Cup Reveals First 5 Esports Titles . April 10, 2024 . . February 21, 2024 . en . April 10, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240410023432/https://esi.si.com/news/esports-world-cup-games . live .
  7. News: Fudge . James . Call of Duty Games Confirmed for the Esports World Cup . 12 June 2024 . The Esports Advocate . 12 June 2024 . en.
  8. Web site: Church . Ben . 2024-04-16 . Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send 'positive message' to industry . 2024-10-11 . CNN . en.
  9. News: Church . Ben . Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send 'positive message' to industry . April 16, 2024 . . April 16, 2024 . en . June 4, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240604145817/https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/sport/esports-world-cup-saudi-arabia-spt-intl/index.html . live .
  10. News: Zalamea . Nigel . Esports World Cup prize pool: Club championship explained . May 16, 2024 . One Esports . May 16, 2024 . May 16, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240516084624/https://www.oneesports.gg/gaming/esports-world-cup-prize-pool-club-points/ . live .
  11. News: Fragen . Jordan . Esports World Cup adds 30 teams to financial support program . May 7, 2024 . . May 6, 2024 . May 7, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240507151152/https://venturebeat.com/games/esports-world-cup-federation-club-support-program/ . live .
  12. News: Takahashi . Dean . Esports World Cup will have record-breaking prize pool of more than $60M . April 16, 2024 . . April 16, 2024 . April 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418065632/https://venturebeat.com/games/esports-world-cup-will-have-record-breaking-prize-pool-of-more-than-60m/ . live .
  13. News: Church . Ben . A new esports tournament in Saudi Arabia promises to be a game-changer – but it's also caused division in the industry . August 5, 2024 . CNN . July 6, 2024 . en.
  14. News: Daniel . Tom . Ralf Reichert addresses Esports World Cup impact and criticisms . April 11, 2024 . Esports Insider . October 26, 2023 . April 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418065634/https://esportsinsider.com/2023/10/esports-world-cup-impact-criticisms . live .
  15. Web site: McIntyre . Isaac . Wahjudi . Mika Permana . 2024-07-04 . Team Liquid teams get OK to wear Pride jerseys at Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup . 2024-07-04 . Dot Esports . en-US.
  16. News: Sacco . Dom . Ex Oblivione refuse to play in Overwatch 2 Esports World Cup . April 11, 2024 . Esports News UK . March 29, 2024 . April 18, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240418065642/https://esports-news.co.uk/2024/03/29/ex-oblivione-overwatch-2-esports-world-cup/ . live .
  17. News: Esguerra . Tyler . 'Extremely disappointed': Goldenboy resigns from Esports Awards over controversial decision . Dot Esports . 8 June 2024.
  18. News: Maas . Lea . Multiple stakeholders leave Esports Awards panel following EWC partnership . July 6, 2024 . Esports Insider . June 11, 2024.