The Esports World Cup 2024 in Riyadh redefined gaming with record viewership, massive prize pools, and unforgettable competition across 21 titles.
Event Highlights
The Esports World Cup 2024, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has set new benchmarks in the world of competitive gaming. Spanning eight weeks, this monumental event brought together top players, teams, and fans across 21 game titles, blending thrilling narratives, record-breaking viewership, and staggering prize pools.
Key Milestones
Record Viewership
Over 500 million viewers tuned in, solidifying the event's global appeal.
Massive Prize Pools
A historic $60 million prize pool, with Team Falcons emerging victorious and earning $7 million as the most versatile team in the competition.
Game Lineup
The event featured games like VALORANT, strategy titles, and sports simulators, showcasing the diversity of modern esports.
Chess to Debut in Esports (2025)
Chess joins the esports lineup at the 2025 Esports World Cup, making history as a traditional mind sport enters the digital gaming arena.
- Event Date: July 31 to August 3, 2025
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Prize Pool: $1.5 million
This inclusion symbolizes a growing synergy between traditional strategy games and the fast-paced world of esports.
Chess Highlights in 2024
Gukesh Dommaraju's Rise
- At 18 years old, Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest World Chess Champion, dethroning Ding Liren.
- Upcoming Clash: Gukesh will face Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025, promising a showdown between the reigning champion and a former chess icon.
Magnus Carlsen’s Legacy
- Carlsen’s focus has shifted to growing chess accessibility. His new app, “Take Take Take,” simplifies chess for newcomers by blending education and entertainment.
- Return to India: Carlsen will compete in the Tata Steel India Chess Tournament in early 2025, marking his first visit since his 2019 win.
A Unified Vision for Competitive Gaming and Chess
The success of the 2024 Esports World Cup highlights an era of collaboration between esports and traditional sports, with chess becoming a bridge between strategic mind games and electrifying competitive arenas.