Latest news with #MikeMcCabe
Al Arabiya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup aims to position Riyadh as global gaming hub
Saudi Arabia is hoping to establish itself as a global hub for esports, with major tournaments, dedicated gaming venues, and government support fuelling the industry's expansion. The recent 'Esports World Cup' in Riyadh, which featured the Dota 2 final between Team Spirit and Team Falcons, drew large crowds and enthusiastic fans. Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, cited government support and a national gaming strategy as key factors in the sector's growth. 'We have a national gaming and esports strategy, which is one of the pillars of Vision 2030… when you couple that with a very motivated government and an incredibly passionate population, it makes perfect sense,' he said. Saudi gamers say the changes are noticeable at the community level. 'Kids and young people are becoming more involved and informed,' said Hassan Al Himyari, a local gamer. 'Now every child has a game they regularly play, whether it's PUBG, Fortnite, Valorant, or others.' The Esports World Cup is in its second annual iteration in Riyadh, drawing over 2,000 competitors from 84 countries to the heart of Saudi Arabia. The event, running until August 24, boasts a $70 million prize pool. The tournament features popular titles such as Dota 2, Rennsport, and Valorant, captivating gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Sports, esports and gaming have been part of the crown prince's transformation plan, known as Vision 2030, in which the government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars to diversify the kingdom's economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said in 2022 it will invest 142 billion riyals ($37.8 billion) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming. Under the plan, the kingdom aims to set up 250 game companies locally, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector's contribution to Saudi GDP to 50 billion riyals by 2030.
CNN
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
Competitive gaming is reaching new heights
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is back—and bigger than ever. This year, a slice of a record-breaking $70m prize pool is at stake for the players and clubs that rise to the top. Having kicked off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 7, more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs have gathered for this year's edition of the world's biggest multi-game esports championships, competing across 25 tournaments and 24 games until the finale on August 24. Artist Post Malone—who has deep connections with the community, with music and event collaborations in a variety of games—headlined the opening ceremony on July 10. 'Esports is becoming a global cultural force, where music, storytelling, and competition converge to create moments that are not just seen, but felt,' said Mike McCabe, chief operating officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), which launched EWC Music this year to create an original music identity for the competition. It's gaming and esports fused with culture and entertainment on a global scale, culminating in the crowning of the single best club in the world across all these disciplines. Ralf Reichert, CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation As global esports revenues are projected to hit $4.8bn in 2025, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a center for this booming industry. Home to 23.5m gamers—approximately 67% of the population—the Kingdom is capitalizing on its state-of-the-art infrastructure, youthful population, and world-class tournaments to position itself as a global hub for esports excellence. Life-changing prizes for the world's best gamers At the heart of this year's competition is the EWC Club Championship, which pits the world's top esports clubs against one another as they fight to win part of the $27m prize pool on offer. In a cumulative points-based system, participating clubs compete across multiple games throughout the world cup. The winning club—which will take home a grand prize of $7m—will be crowned based on consistent high performance across titles. A first in the competitive esports world, this structure requires clubs to be strategic in their approach to the competition as a whole, managing rosters and resources across various games to demonstrate organizational strength. The remaining $43m from the total prize pool will be divided between winners of each game championship, the Most Valuable Player Awards, and qualifiers on the Road to EWC, where teams and players compete for the remaining tournament spots through eligible events hosted by partnered publishers and organizers. This is all part of the EWCF's mission to support the gaming industry into the future. 'The record-breaking $70m prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, are aligned with a long-term vision rather than short-term impact,' said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF. 'It's not just to have more money at stake, but to create opportunities for everyone at every level of the ecosystem and strengthen the industry for generations to come.' This year, the EWCF's Club Partner Program plans to invest $20m into participating clubs—selected for their competitive performance, social media presence, and audience engagement—to activate their brands and grow their fanbases, with the aim of supporting the growth of esports around the world. 'The EWCF Club Partner Program is a cornerstone of our mission to build a sustainable future for esports clubs worldwide while creating opportunities for organizations from some of the world's fastest-growing markets. Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer, Esports World Cup Foundation This year's winners will also reap the rewards of the EWCF's newly launched Heroes Club, a year-long VIP program for EWC champions. The program includes premium hospitality at global sports and entertainment events such as the Super Bowl, Formula 1, and UEFA Champions League Finals, travel benefits with partnered brands, and early access to new games. 'It's about going beyond victory, giving EWC champions the tools to grow their profiles, unlocking a new world full of opportunities and extending their impact beyond the main stage,' explained Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. 'By investing in players at every stage of their journey, we are reinforcing the role of esports as a global sport and a viable career path for generations to come. Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer, Esports World Cup Foundation A major player in the future of esports The esports industry is on a meteoric rise, experiencing unprecedented growth in both competitor and viewership numbers alongside big-ticket sponsorship opportunities. In Saudi Arabia, where gaming has evolved beyond a hobby into a thriving industry, the gaming and esports market is projected to generate $13.3bn by 2030. The Kingdom has already invested over $38bn into the sector, and now aims to create 39,000 local jobs in areas like game development and event management. With over 500m online viewers and 2.6m visitors to Riyadh's Boulevard City in 2024, the inaugural competition was just the beginning. As the EWC scales new heights this year, Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a global esports powerhouse, poised to shape the future of gaming for generations to come. Find out more about the Esports World Cup here.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Esports World Cup begins in Saudi Arabia with record-breaking £51.5 million prize pot
A video game tournament with a record-breaking prize pool of £51.5 million has kicked off in Saudi Arabia today. The Esports World Cup (EWC), taking place in Boulevard City, Riyadh, will see 2,000 players and 200 clubs take part in 25 tournaments until August 24. More than 2.6 million people are expected to attend the event. Hosted in a specially built village with arenas seating up to 2,000 people, the tournament features 24 games, including Call Of Duty, League Of Legends and chess. The sport constitutes part of the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to invest in different areas to diversify the kingdom's GDP and create 39,000 jobs. The esports industry has been steadily growing in popularity and Saudi Arabia has faced criticism and accusations of 'sportswashing' – investing in sporting events like EWC to distract from alleged wrongdoing and present a favourable image. Multiple stakeholders resigned from the Esports Awards panel after it announced a three-year partnership with EWC in 2024. But Mike McCabe, the chief operating officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation that runs the competition, said the investment from the kingdom reflected the interests of the Saudi population – with nearly 70% identifying as gamers. He said: 'Sportswashing really implies that we're trying to change the reputation through sport. It's just not true. We're meeting the dreams and the ambitions of the people who live here. The majority of people who live in this country love games and love sports, and so why not give them the biggest show on Earth? 'When it comes to individual choices, we encourage people to come and visit – come and see for yourself.' Mr McCabe said that EWC was making strides to appeal to a wider, non-gamer audience – with Cristiano Ronaldo as the cup's ambassador and rapper Post Malone performing at the sold–out opening ceremony on Thursday. Mr McCabe has been involved in esports since the mid-2000s and said the sport, which started in South Korea, has grown gradually. He said: 'If you look at football or athletics, they've grown over hundreds of years. 'Esports is very new in comparison, and it's growing in a different way. 'The games that people play are the ideas of publishers, which is different from traditional sports, where it's an international or a sporting federation who ultimately go and maintain that. 'What drew me to this project was because the EWC has the support and the ability to bring multiple games together into one amazing festival that can extend for many weeks and bring fans on multiple journeys during the course of that – it's really unique in the industry.' At least 54 UK nationals and two British teams, called Fnatic and Wolves, will be competing over the eight weeks, although that number could rise as there are qualifying events ongoing. The club championship is a cross-game format that pits international clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in the sport's history. Each win grants clubs points and the top-ranked one at the end is crowned the world cup champion. Ahead of the tournament, the EWC Festival for fans has taken place – with community esports tournaments, anime cafes, cosplay and retro arcades, something Mr McCabe called 'a celebration of gaming '. Fans across the world will be able to tune in on major streaming platforms, including Twitch and YouTube, and by watching live feeds from gaming influencers.
Saudi Gazette
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
HONOR returns to Esports World Cup as Official Smartphone Partner for 2025
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) announced on Friday the return of HONOR as the Official Smartphone Partner for the Esports World Cup 2025. After a successful collaboration at the inaugural EWC in 2024, HONOR's renewed partnership will utilize HONOR's AI-enabled technology to support elite mobile esports competition at the highest level. Last year, HONOR redefined mobile gaming at EWC, with the HONOR 200 series serving as the official tournament device. Athletes and creators leveraged its AI-enhanced performance for competitive play and real-time content capturing, while fans experienced HONOR's innovation firsthand at branded lounges and interactive zones. This year, HONOR introduces HONOR Magic7 Pro to EWC 2025 as the Official Smartphone for EWC's mobile esports titles. Engineered for esports, the device delivers unrivaled performance with its Snapdragon®️ 8 Elite Mobile Platform and the Ultra-wide Area Cooling System for sustained peak performance. The pro-gaming display features a 1-120Hz adaptive dynamic refresh rate, and AI-enabled eye-comfort features for marathon sessions. The AI gaming suite includes industry's first AI Real-Time Rendering technology for PC-level graphics and nearly full-frame gameplay, AI Predictive Scheduling Engine for optimal system management and HONOR Power Management System for uninterrupted play. Additionally, the device boosts a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, delivering a powerful and resonant bass for a richer audio experience. With IP68/IP69-rated durability and the HONOR Nanocrystal Shield, the Magic7 Pro offers battlefield-ready resilience. "HONOR is very pleased to join forces with the Esports World Cup and provide the official smartphone for its mobile competitions,' said Dr. Rui Guo, Group CMO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. 'As a brand dedicated to its consumers, HONOR strives to offer products that provide a superior experience and elevated performance, particularly among gamers. Our technology enables players to push their limits and achieve new heights in their gaming journey. We look forward to seeing the HONOR smartphones power the best esports athletes in the world as they strive for international greatness at the Esports World Cup. We are excited about the continued success of our long-term partnership.' 'Mobile esports is one of the fastest-growing segments in competitive gaming, and having a partner like HONOR allows us to match that momentum with world-class technology,' said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'HONOR's continued collaboration ensures our players are equipped with elite tools that elevate performance and unlock new levels of play. We're thrilled to extend this partnership and to once again showcase what's possible when cutting-edge innovation meets the global stage of the Esports World Cup.' HONOR will equip players, who are competing in the EWC competitions for Honor of Kings, PUBG: Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Free Fire. These tournaments attract the best players from every corner of the world, and with such massive player bases, these games have become a major focal point for several of the most prominent and decorated Clubs in esports. The players competing in these titles at EWC will be competing on HONOR devices for more than $10 million in prize pool earnings. 'We're proud to welcome HONOR back to the Esports World Cup as our Official Smartphone Partner for 2025,' said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'HONOR's cutting-edge technology enhances the player experience and raises the bar for mobile performance. Their continued investment brings added innovation and excellence to the world's biggest esports tournament.' 'Saudi Arabia is leading the way in esports, and HONOR is proud to support that vision by offering a world-class gaming device.' said Jerry Liao, Country Manager, HONOR Saudi Arabia. 'With the HONOR Magic7 Pro, we aim to give the new generation of gamers in the Kingdom a powerful tool to compete and enhance their gaming experience at this world-class event.' Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. With 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, the EWC will feature the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay, and more, drawing millions of fans online and in person.
Mid East Info
06-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
HONOR Returns to Esports World Cup as Official Smartphone Partner for 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
The renewed commitment will see HONOR elevate mobile esports competition with cutting-edge AI technologies and industry-leading hardware Riyadh, Saudi Arabia July, 2025 – The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the return of HONOR as the Official Smartphone Partner for the Esports World Cup 2025. After a successful collaboration at the inaugural EWC in 2024, HONOR's renewed partnership will utilize HONOR's AI-enabled technology to support elite mobile esports competition at the highest level. Last year, HONOR redefined mobile gaming at EWC, with the HONOR 200 series serving as the official tournament device. Athletes and creators leveraged its AI-enhanced performance for competitive play and real-time content capturing, while fans experienced HONOR's innovation firsthand at branded lounges and interactive zones. This year, HONOR introduces HONOR Magic7 Pro to EWC 2025 as the Official Smartphone for EWC's mobile esports titles. Engineered for esports, the device delivers unrivaled performance with its Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform and the Ultra-wide Area Cooling System for sustained peak performance. The pro-gaming display features a 1-120Hz adaptive dynamic refresh rate, and AI-enabled eye-comfort features for marathon sessions. The AI gaming suite includes industry's first AI Real-Time Rendering technology for PC-level graphics and nearly full-frame gameplay , AI Predictive Scheduling Engine for optimal system management and HONOR Power Management System for uninterrupted play. Additionally, the device boosts a stereo speaker with an integrated ultra-large sound cavity and spatial audio, delivering a powerful and resonant bass for a richer audio experience. With IP68/IP69-rated durability and the HONOR Nanocrystal Shield, the Magic7 Pro offers battlefield-ready resilience. 'HONOR is very pleased to join forces with the Esports World Cup and provide the official smartphone for its mobile competitions,' said Dr. Rui Guo, Group CMO of HONOR Device Co., Ltd. 'As a brand dedicated to its consumers, HONOR strives to offer products that provide a superior experience and elevated performance, particularly among gamers. Our technology enables players to push their limits and achieve new heights in their gaming journey. We look forward to seeing the HONOR smartphones power the best esports athletes in the world as they strive for international greatness at the Esports World Cup. We are excited about the continued success of our long-term partnership.' 'Mobile esports is one of the fastest-growing segments in competitive gaming, and having a partner like HONOR allows us to match that momentum with world-class technology,' said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'HONOR's continued collaboration ensures our players are equipped with elite tools that elevate performance and unlock new levels of play. We're thrilled to extend this partnership and to once again showcase what's possible when cutting-edge innovation meets the global stage of the Esports World Cup.' HONOR will equip players who are competing in the EWC competitions for Honor of Kings, PUBG: Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Free Fire. These tournaments attract the best players from every corner of the world, and with such massive player bases, these games have become a major focal point for several of the most prominent and decorated Clubs in esports. The players competing in these titles at EWC will be competing on HONOR devices for more than $10 million in prize pool earnings. 'We're proud to welcome HONOR back to the Esports World Cup as our Official Smartphone Partner for 2025,' said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'HONOR's cutting-edge technology enhances the player experience and raises the bar for mobile performance. Their continued investment brings added innovation and excellence to the world's biggest esports tournament.' 'Saudi Arabia is leading the way in esports, and HONOR is proud to support that vision by offering a world-class gaming device.' said Mr. Jerry Liao, Country Manager, HONOR Saudi Arabia. 'With the HONOR Magic7 Pro, we aim to give the new generation of gamers in the Kingdom a powerful tool to compete and enhance their gaming experience at this world-class event.' Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. With 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, the EWC will feature the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay, and more, drawing millions of fans online and in person. About The Esports World Cup: The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. About HONOR: HONOR is a global leading AI device ecosystem company. It is committed to revolutionizing human-to-device interactions to bridge the AI ecosystem with all consumers in the agentic AI era and beyond. The company endeavors to open industrial boundaries through open, seamless collaboration to co-create a value-sharing ecosystem with industry partners. With an innovative product portfolio spanning AI phones, PCs, tablets, wearables and more, HONOR aims to empower every human, enabling everyone to embrace the new intelligent world.
