eSports
Saudi Arabia Aiming to Drive eSports to Even Greater Heights
The 2024 eSports World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been billed as an event which will fire professional gaming into another stratosphere.
The tournament has captivated the gaming community with its $60 million prize pool and roster of popular games such as League of Legends and Counter-Strike.
However, while the ambition is clear, the eSports World Cup has failed to match some of the figures tallied by other major eSports events.
Read on as we evaluate the tournament from multiple angles, from viewership figures to long-term marketing potential.
Early Performance & Viewership
The eSports World Cup has already garnered more attention than previous similar events.
According to official data from eSports Charts, average viewership grew by nearly eight percent compared to last year’s Gamers8 held in Saudi Arabia.
This growth is promising but might not be enough to position the World Cup as a dominant force in the eSports calendar.
Some observers have already pointed out that viewership numbers still lag behind those of established events such as Games Done Quick and the League of Legends World Championship.
However, early statistics from the event indicate a rich engagement level. The World Cup peaked at 2.4 million viewers in the opening week, accumulating 36 million hours of watch time.
This is a healthy figure that shows substantial interest in the competition. The numbers are not mind-blowing, but it is a decent start.
Betting
Professional gaming has rapidly grown into a worldwide phenomenon over the last few years, leading to a surge in betting interest.
With millions of fans tuning in to watch their favourite teams and players compete, it is no surprise that betting on eSports has become a lucrative industry.
The excitement and competition eSports generates are perfect for sports betting sites for Arab players.
Numerous betting platforms offer odds on various aspects of the games, from match winners to player performance, which can make the viewing experience more enjoyable for fans.
The combination of eSports and betting could be groundbreaking for both industries. Organisers can tap into a new revenue stream while fans enjoy more engagement.
Sponsor Perspective
For many sponsors, including massive brands such as PepsiCo and Mastercard, the eSports World Cup is more than just viewership statistics.
Their involvement is an investment in long-term brand engagement and market positioning rather than immediate returns.
“Our partnership with the eSports World Cup has brought us closer to millions of fans,” said EVP of Global Sponsorships and Partnership Models at Mastercard Pernilla Winberg Babtist.
She highlighted the positive early metrics and expressed confidence in the event’s marketing value beyond mere numbers.
PepsiCo’s SVP and CMO Karim El Fiqi also felt the same way, focusing on the broader value of the sponsorship. “The on-ground engagement with consumers and the equity we build with gamers is crucial,” he explained.
El Fiqi also noted the importance of the event within the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote cultural and economic growth.
Strategic Benefits & Regional Impact
According to the managing director of Strive Sponsorship, Malph Minns, the connection between the event and other government-backed projects allows sponsors to build their regional presence without shelling out obscene sums on promotion.
“Companies operating in that region are very cognizant of maintaining favourable relations with government entities,” Minns said.
This view has been supported by the event’s ability to attract high-profile sponsors and partners such as Unilever, Amazon and adidas.
These brands see the World Cup as a way of engaging with the burgeoning eSports community and building brand equity.
Event Experience & Prospects
The World Cup was designed with a unique cross-game format, with top teams and players competing across 22 competitions in 21 leading games. This makes the competition more exciting for viewers.
The 8,000-capacity Saudi esports Federation Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City has received widespread praise as the host infrastructure.
The 220-acre development at the Prince Turki al-Awwal Road is a world-class entertainment centre that rivals any structure of its kind anywhere in the world. The town also features jaw-dropping architecture, cafes, shopping centres and theatres.
Liverpool and Portugal international forward Diogo Jota attended the opening ceremony and was effusive in his admiration for the scale and execution. The 27-year-old former Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker is an avid gamer and investor in the eSports scene.
“The level of investment and infrastructure is exactly what eSports needs to grow and reach a wider audience,” Jota said.
His positive feedback is a sign that the World Cup can make a significant impact in the eSports universe over a long-term period.
eSports
The World Esports Summit 2024 Is Here!
The IESF World Esports Summit returns this December to Busan, South Korea. Hosted at the Busan Esports Arena (BRENA) from December 5-6, the Summit will bring together prominent figures from Esports, global brands, government officials, and sports executives for a deep dive into the current Esports trends, its rapid transformations, and future challenges.
This year’s theme, “Building Bridges, Not Barriers, Through the Power of Esports,” will highlight the role of Esports in uniting cultures, ideas, and industries. Under the slogan “We Empower Success,” the
Summit provides a great platform for Esports experts to engage in meaningful discussions and sessions, sharing their insights on trends and presenting forward-looking ideas for our industry.
The event, strategically timed at the close of the competitive season, presents a perfect environment for reflection on the year’s biggest events, industry shifts, and the next steps for Esports. Attendees can follow the expert’s perspectives on topics like:
- (R)Evolution in Esports
- East Meets West
- Esports Integrity: The Role of Referees
- The Rise of International Esports Competitions
- (In Korean) Korea’s Secret Sauce etc.
Also, featured at this year’s event are the IESF World Esports Training Camp and the World Esports Referee Academy.
These are very important IESF programs that are aimed at advancing the skills and professional standards of the next generation of Esports leaders.
Join us in Busan for two days designed to inspire, connect, and empower the international Esports community.
Registration for the World Esports Summit is free and open to all interested attendees.
To register, please complete our online registration form: iesf.formstack.com/forms/wes2024_participation_registration
See you in Busan!
eSports
Akhil Sarin CMO at Easygo named as key note at ICE Esports Conference
Clarion Gaming has confirmed that Akhil Sarin CMO at Easygo, the technology powerhouse behind the success of global brands Stake and Kick will headline the Esports & Games Conference (EGC) taking place on 21 January as part of the ICE Barcelona experience. As a key member of the executive team, Akhil Sarin has been instrumental in securing the high-profile partnerships that have accelerated Stake’s growth, including the Stake F1 team, UFC, Drake, and Premier League Everton FC.
Through these strategic alliances he has amplified Stake’s brand presence at the same time as creating unique, immersive player experiences, in the process setting new industry benchmarks.
Announcing the high profile speaker Will Harding, Head of Esports at Clarion Gaming said: “Securing Akhil Sarin as EGC key note at ICE Barcelona represents a remarkable opportunity for our attendees to gain invaluable insight into cutting-edge strategies in digital and influencer marketing .
“Akhil’s expertise with Stake and Kick.com embodies the forward-thinking, innovative approach that defines the digital marketing landscapes. His participation underscores the calibre of knowledge-sharing that we are committed to delivering at ICE and he is sure to both inspire our attendees and elevate their strategic perspective.”
Looking ahead to ICE Barcelona, Akhil Sarin stated: “Collaborating with Clarion Gaming at ICE Barcelona is an exciting opportunity to showcase Stake’s journey and continued focus on bold partnerships and creative marketing strategies that resonate with audiences.”
He added “The EGC is a vital platform for exchanging transformative ideas and shaping the future of gaming and entertainment. I look forward to discussing Stake’s vision and collaborating with industry leaders to inspire growth and innovation across the sector.”
eSports
WEC24 Complete: Indonesia Crowned Overall Champion!
WEC24 Complete: Indonesia Crowned Overall Champion! Busan, South Korea (November 20, 2024) – After nine days of exciting competition, the 16th World Esports Championship (WEC24) has come to a conclusion.
From epic plays to unforgettable moments, the championship closed out with the Dota 2 and MLBB Women’s finals. The ultimate victory and the biggest moment of the night belonged to Indonesia, as they won their second title as the WEC24 Overall Champions.
This prestigious trophy is awarded to the nation that excels across all of the game titles. Turkey secured one gold and one bronze medal also, however, Indonesia’s consistency and performance across the other game titles gave them the edge to secure their victory. Congratulations to Indonesia for this remarkable achievement!
WEC24 started on November 11 at the spectacular SEF Arena in Riyadh, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete across six tournaments: PUBG MOBILE, CS2 (Women’s and Open), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Open and Women’s), and Dota 2. Each competition delivered its special charm, giving us new champions and a WEC to remember.
Medalists:
PUBG MOBILE:
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Brazil
CS2 Women’s:
- Poland
- France
- Portugal
CS2 Open:
- Romania
- Portugal
- Serbia
MLBB Open:
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
MLBB Women’s:
- Indonesia
- Cambodia
- Egypt
Dota 2:
- Greece
- Sweden
- Turkey
This year’s WEC broke records and set new milestones: the largest CS2 Women’s tournament with a $160,000 prize pool, the debut of the MLBB Women’s category, and a marathon Dota 2 bronze match that won’t be forgotten. Over 480 athletes gave it their all, leaving behind moments that will define the Esports scene for years.
As WEC24 comes to an end, we are thankful to every athlete, national federation, fan, and Esports enthusiast who traveled with us on the Road to Riyadh.
GG once again to Indonesia, our WEC24 Overall Champion! Thank you, Riyadh, for hosting an unforgettable championship. Until next time, see you on the next World Esports Championship journey!
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