The first-ever Esports World Cup (EWC) is underway in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, drawing the world's top gamers to compete across 22 tournaments for a staggering 60 million U.S. dollars prize pool, which organizers have called "life-changing."
Amidst scorching August temperatures, with mercury soaring to 45 degrees Celsius, electrical fans are omnipresent in Saudi Arabia to combat the sweltering heatwave.
Stepping into the dazzling esports arena along the boulevard, the air conditioning provides respite from the searing heat outside, but inside, the competition among hundreds of gamers across the three venues hosting the games is nothing short of intense.
The players are battling it out for a massive 60 million U.S. dollars, an unprecedented sum in the esports realm, earning the title of the "Hall of Fame" in this prestigious event.
The coveted Esports World Cup awaits the triumphant team at the conclusion of the competition, with Team Falcon of Saudi Arabia currently leading the pack, closely followed by the Gladiators and other contenders. Over the next two months, teams will amass points, and the ultimate victor with the highest score will claim the World Cup.
Featuring 22 tournaments spanning the two-month-long competition, popular games such as Fortnite, EA Sports, and Street Fighter are captivating millions of fans worldwide.
"I came here with my son to watch Fortnite, and we enjoyed it a lot. It's really great," said Abdul Mohse, an esports enthusiast from Saudi Arabia.
Massive investments and resources have been injected into esports, yielding impressive results. After the initial month of the tournament, staggering figures have been unveiled.
In the first 4 weeks of the Cup, a record 177.5 million viewing hours have been clocked. On site, visitors have already reached one million. The games are being followed by 3.4 billion gamers worldwide. And the final weeks promise to be even more intense.
Within the first four weeks of the competition, a groundbreaking 177.5 million viewing hours have been amassed. On-site attendance has already surpassed one million visitors. The games have garnered a global following of 3.4 billion gamers. The forthcoming weeks are poised to escalate the excitement even further.
Global gaming stars compete for 60 mln USD prize pool at inaugural Esports World Cup
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
