Australian simulation racer Joshua Rogers recently secured the ESL R1 drivers’ championship after dominating the virtual Circuit de Spa in his digital Porsche 911 GT3 R.
The victory cements his status as a dominant force in the sim racing world and has propelled him to the eSports World Cup (EWC) in Saudi Arabia.
Rogers and his teammates will now aim to showcase their talents at an event which is putting the Middle East firmly on the global eSports map.

Rogers on Track to Win Big for Porsche

Under the banner of the Porsche Coanda eSports Racing team, Rogers entered the final round of the ESL R1 championship as the clear favorite, and he didn’t disappoint.
The Australian delivered an outstanding performance at the Circuit de Spa, launching a dramatic last-gasp attack to secure his third consecutive win.
The victory solidified his position at the top of the ESL R1 Drivers’ rankings with 183 points and ensured his spot in the final round of the EWC finals.
Scheduled to be staged in Riyadh from August 22-25, the EWC promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament as 48 drivers battle for a mouth-watering $100,000 prize purse.
The wining driver will walk away with $25,000, while Team Porsche stands to win up to $170,000 in the team competition.
Rogers’ presence in the competition will garner plenty of interest in his homeland, particularly among sports bettors who enjoy wagering on motorsports.
Horse racing has traditionally dominated the landscape in Australia – a point evidenced by the number of sites which offer racing tips on the sport.
However, a different type of racing looks set to capture the imagination of the Australian betting community, largely fueled by Rogers’ exploits in eSports.
Betting on EWC events has already proved to be popular this summer, but looks guaranteed to ramp up a notch when the motorsports tournament is staged.

EWC Attracts Interest from Global Brands

The betting sector is not alone in recognizing the potential in eSports, with numerous major brands eager to jump on the bandwagon.
They include integrated energy and chemicals company Aramco, who have announced the extension of their partnership with the eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
The firm has sponsored this summer’s EWC tournament in Riyadh, building on previous sponsorships of tournaments such as Gamers Without Borders and Gamers8: The Land of Heroes.
Aramco’s involvement with the EWC aligns with the company’s long-term ambition to promote economic development and diversification in Saudi Arabia.
Partnering with the EWCF will help Aramco provide new opportunities for young people, deliver critical educational skills, and help build a diverse and dynamic Saudi economy.
The collaboration will also create a lasting positive impact on the world of eSports. It will showcase Saudi talent on the global stage and inspire today’s youth through the exciting world of gaming.

New Global Sport Conference Will be a Fitting Climax to the EWC

The EWC showpiece also coincides with the second edition of the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC) 2024 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh on August 24-25.
Themed ‘The Future of Fandom’, the conference will explore how fan engagement has transformed the gaming industry, creating new opportunities for unique experiences, innovative revenue streams and groundbreaking technological development.
The NGSC’s goal is to support the growth of the gaming and eSports sectors in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to become a global gaming hub.
This year’s event will be an integral part of the action-packed closing weekend of the EWC, featuring a grand closing ceremony and the newly announced eSports Awards.
The conference will bring together the biggest names in gaming, sports, business and technology, serving as a platform to discuss the future of these industries.
NGSC 2023 set a high standard last year by announcing the launch of the EWC with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, and other industry leaders from across the globe in attendance.
Building on that success, the NGSC 2024 will feature multiple stages and workshops over a new two-day program, accommodating around 800 guests to discuss the future of eSports, sports and gaming.