Esports in Numbers
Esports enjoys global popularity and a wide fan base; the number of viewers exceeded 574 million worldwide in 2024, and is expected to rise to over 640 million viewers by 2027.
The success of the 2025 Esports World Cup was not limited to that alone; over a period of 7 weeks, it managed to attract the attention of major international media outlets. Its success and media and digital coverage reached more than 126 countries, with news broadcast through over 3,989 media outlets and in more than 55 languages. It also witnessed massive public attendance at the event venue, reaching 2.5 million visitors from various countries around the world, and a record number of views on live streaming platforms, reaching 282 million views.
The Esports World Cup impacted all aspects of the esports ecosystem, from strategic investments in global publishers and tournament infrastructure, to empowering teams and players, improving fan experiences, engaging brands, and developing talent through community initiatives.
Unlimited support was the main reason for Saudi players and teams reaching the highest global levels, with participation from over 2,000 players from 100 countries. The tournament allows greater interaction and support from global fans for their players as national representatives. Teams like Tem Falcons, current world champions, T1, Team Vitality, NAV, and others have become symbols of national pride and excellence in esports.
Matches and moments from the event reach millions of fans through various platforms, with live streaming, replays, and highlights shared globally, increasing the popularity and fan base of the players.
With interest and support, the Esports World Cup has grown significantly to lead innovation in competitive systems, include new games, create and present content, and interact with global audiences.
The 2025 Esports World Cup is a catalyst for sustainable growth and innovation, attracting investments, enhancing the global fan base, nurturing talent, and bringing together the best games and players in the world.
The 2025 Esports World Cup contributed to accelerating the growth of the global esports ecosystem, especially through the club support program, forming leading partnerships, creating job opportunities, and supporting startups. It also positively impacted local and global economic, cultural, and social development.
With support, the idea of the Esports World Cup was innovated and officially launched in 2023. By organizing the Esports World Cup in 2024 and 2025, confidence is shown in the gaming and esports sector and its positive impact on other sectors and its contribution to economic growth.
Under leadership, the 2025 Esports World Cup has become the largest global stage in the gaming and esports sector in terms of size, innovative systems, leading content, and unprecedented interactive fan experiences.
The number of players increased to 2,000, compared to 1,500 in the previous season, confirming the tournament’s appeal and its ability to attract the best clubs and players globally.
The tournament prize increased to a historic value of $70 million, up from $60 million in 2024.
The unprecedented development in the sector is the result of a series of legislation, regulations, and strategies that significantly contributed to its development, including the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which is a fundamental pillar towards achieving the goals of Vision 2030. It aims to create 39,000 jobs, contribute 50 billion riyals to the economy by 2030, and support the establishment of startups in the gaming sector.
Saudi Arabia is the fastest-growing sports market, having hosted and organized over 150 sporting events in recent years, including the Esports World Cup, which mirrors the passion of the active Saudi population in esports across various games.
Led by the Kingdom and with interest and support, esports has become a global sport, and hosting and embracing the Esports World Cup is clear evidence of that.
Gaming has become an integral part of people’s lives, with over 3.4 billion people worldwide regularly participating in gaming activities.
The closing ceremony of the 2025 Esports World Cup was honored in Riyadh. The winning team, Falcons, was crowned the Esports World Cup champion.
The crowned club topped the tournament standings with 5,200 points, winning the grand prize of $7 million from the total tournament prizes, which exceeded $70 million, the largest prize pool in the history of the global esports sector. Prizes were distributed to the winning teams and players of the various championships and participants according to their standings in the tournament.
The honoring of the tournament comes as an extension of great and continuous support for the gaming and esports sector through a comprehensive package of legislation and regulations led by the National Gaming and Esports Strategy launched in 2022.
