What is the Esports World Cup?

A Landmark Event in Esports

The Esports World Cup replaced the Gamers8 esports festival and was a larger and more comprehensive event. The tournament featured a prize pool exceeding $60 million, the largest in esports history. This substantial amount was distributed across various categories, including individual tournaments, team rewards, MVP awards, and the Club Championship. The Club Championship was a unique cross-game competition that aggregated the results of all participating clubs to crown a Club Champion.

This event was organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. It is part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify its economy and establish itself as a leader in global esports. The 2024 edition showcased the highest level of competitive play, with participants coming from all over the world to compete in a state-of-the-art venue in Riyadh’s Boulevard City.

The 2024 Esports World Cup featured 23 distinct tournaments, each adhering to its own format and rules. These competitions covered a wide range of games, from first-person shooters such as Call of Duty and Counter-Strike 2, to popular MOBAs such as Dota 2 and League of Legends, and even simulation racing games such as Rennsport.

The Club Championship added another layer to the competition. It allowed clubs to earn points based on their performance across multiple games. To qualify for the Club Championship, a club needed to finish in the top eight in at least two events, and secure first place in one. This structure incentivised versatility and consistency, rewarding teams that excelled across various titles. The top 16 clubs shared a $20 million prize, with the winning team, Team Falcons, taking home $7 million.

Highlights and Notable Performances

The Esports World Cup brought together some of the best players and teams in the world, resulting in several memorable moments. In the Call of Duty: Warzone tournament, Team Falcons claimed victory, demonstrating their dominance in the battle royale genre. Meanwhile, in the Dota 2 competition, Gaimin Gladiators secured the top spot with a series of outstanding performances that highlighted their strategic depth and teamwork.

The League of Legends tournament saw T1 take the gold, continuing their legacy as one of the most successful teams in the game’s history. Their gameplay was characterised by precise coordination and exceptional individual skill, particularly from their star player, Faker. In the Counter-Strike 2 event, Natus Vincere showed their prowess by defeating strong contenders such as G2 Esports and Virtus.pro, proving their resilience and tactical mastery.

In addition to these individual game highlights, the Club Championship created an overarching narrative throughout the tournament. Teams such as Team Liquid and Team BDS performed consistently across various games, earning them top positions in the overall rankings. This cross-game competition added an exciting dynamic, as fans followed their favourite clubs’ progress not just in one game, but across the entire event.

Financial Support and Club Development

The Esports World Cup Foundation’s Club Support Program was another notable aspect of the event. This initiative provided financial assistance to 30 selected esports organisations, supporting their operations and enabling them to participate in the tournament. These clubs were chosen based on their past achievements, future strategies, and fan engagement. The program aims to develop the global esports ecosystem by providing resources to teams that might otherwise struggle to compete at the highest level.

The financial rewards from the Club Support Program are not solely dependent on competition results. Even if a team did not qualify for the main event, they remained eligible for annual support and one-time payments if they expanded into new esports titles featured at the Esports World Cup. This approach encourages long-term development and stability within the competitive scene.

What Next for the Esports World Cup?

The success of the 2024 Esports World Cup has set a high bar for future editions. The tournament not only brought together the best in esports talent but also highlighted the growing global interest in competitive gaming. With Saudi Arabia’s continued investment and commitment, the Esports World Cup is likely to become a cornerstone event in the esports calendar.

As the tournament evolves, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges and controversies it faces. Balancing competitive integrity, audience engagement, and broader social issues will be crucial for its continued success. The introduction of new game titles and formats could also expand its appeal, attracting even more fans and participants in the years to come.

At Galera Bet, we are excited about seeing how the Esports World Cup will develop. We will be bringing you latest updates and insights on this and other major esports events, as well as all the betting markets you could need to make the most of them. While next year’s competition is still many months away, you can start exploring all the esports betting markets we offer today so that you are fully prepared for the next Esports World Cup.