Riyadh strengthens global tourism image with world's largest esports tournament

Economy ME

4 days ago

Riyadh is reinforcing its status as a premier global destination by hosting the Esports World Cup, a landmark event that showcases the dynamic intersection of digital culture and international tourism.
Held at Boulevard Riyadh City, the tournament marks a major milestone in Saudi Arabia's growing global profile, underlining the kingdom's progress in infrastructure, event organization, and integrated tourism experiences. It also reflects the broader transformation of gaming — from local street culture to cutting-edge digital arenas embraced by the capital with innovation and distinction.
Running from July 7 to August 24, the seven-week
tournament
has drawn over 2,000 elite international players competing in a wide array of the world's most popular esports titles. The event has quickly become the largest entertainment experience of its kind globally, with broadcasts in more than 35 languages reaching audiences across 140 countries.
The strong international presence of players, teams, fans, and media has significantly boosted tourism in Riyadh. Thousands of visitors are experiencing a unique blend of high-tech entertainment, cultural showcases, and local attractions, further solidifying the kingdom's reputation as a welcoming and globally connected destination.
The Esports World Cup is a landmark event that showcases the dynamic intersection of digital culture and international tourism in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia launches massive summer 2025 tourism campaign to attract global visitors
International media outlets are offering extensive coverage of the event, providing live reports on Riyadh's cultural vibrancy and tourist appeal, while sharing visitor experiences and public engagement. The spotlight on the capital continues to grow as the city hosts this unprecedented fusion of global competition and cultural exchange.
To amplify real-time coverage, the
Esports World Cup Foundation
launched the EWC_Extra channel on social platforms X and Instagram, spotlighting key tournament moments and standout player performances.
In its first week alone, the initiative recorded a 167 percent rise in viewership and a 267 percent increase in video views.
The momentum builds on the success of last year's inaugural Esports World Cup, which drew more than 500 million viewers worldwide, logged 252 million viewing hours, and reached a peak of 6.3 million concurrent viewers, setting a strong precedent for the tournament's continued growth and international appeal.