The 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC) was the first edition of the Esports World Cup, an annual international esports tournament series run by the Esports World Cup Foundation, a nonprofit organization funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. It took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 3 to August 25, 2024 and was the world's largest esports event, featuring 23 events in 22 different video game titles.[1]
 | |
| Tournament information | |
|---|---|
| Sport | Esports |
| Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Dates | July 3–August 25 |
| Administrator | Esports World Cup Foundation Tournaments supervised by ESL |
Number of events | 23 in 22 esports |
| Purse | $62.5 million |
| Website | esportsworldcup |
EWC had the largest combined prize pool in esports history at over US$60 million, encompassing individual tournament prize pools, rewards for teams that qualify to events, most valuable player awards, and the Club Championship, a cross-game competition that aggregates the individual game results of all participating organizations (known as "clubs" to the EWC) to crown a Club Champion. The Esports World Cup replaced the Saudi Esports Federation's Gamers8 esports festival, which was held in 2022 and 2023.
The Esports World Cup was criticized as being used as a sportswashing tool by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to distract the esports community from its numerous human rights violations; commentators drew attention to the country's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and its handling of dissent.
Background
editIn September 2022, Saudi Arabia presented the National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES), which aims to make the country a global center for the video game industry by 2030 in accordance to Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the Saudi economy, create job opportunities, and reduce reliance on oil.[2][3] The NGES encompasses 86 initiatives spanning eight focus areas: Technology and hardware development, game production, e-sports, additional services, infrastructure, regulations, education and talent acquisition.[3] The Saudi government's goals include producing more than 30 competitive games in domestic studios, creating more than 39,000 new jobs in the sector, and becoming one of the top three countries by number professional esports players.[3]
Pursuant to the NGES, in October 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the inaugural Esports World Cup as the successor of Gamers8, the Saudi Esports Federation's previously existing esports festival, which would be held annually in Riyadh starting in summer 2024.[4] During the announcement—which came during the "New Global Sport Conference" hosted by the Kingdom and attended by both senior government officials and leading figures in the sports, gaming, and esports sectors—Crown Prince Mohammad stated that: "The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports, offering an unmatched esports experience that pushes the boundaries of the industry. The competition will enhance our progress towards realizing the Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying the economy, growing the tourism sector, creating new jobs in various industries, and providing world-class entertainment for citizens, residents, and visitors alike."[5]
The initial five game titles were announced on February 20, 2024, with additional events being added over the course of the next four months; the final initial titles—the 20th being Call of Duty: Warzone and the 21st being Modern Warfare III—were added on June 12.[6][7] Strinova was added as an additional title on August 1, 2024. In an article published in April 2024, American news channel CNN described the EWC as potentially being a "pivotal moment in the industry" following large scale layoffs by game developers and declining revenues for professional esports leagues; the article also noted that the event was part of Saudi Arabia's broader investment into sports, media, and entertainment amid allegations of sportswashing.[8]
The eight-week event took place in a 645,000 square foot (59,900 m2) venue in Riyadh's Boulevard City that featured four separate esports arenas: the SEF Arena (known as the Qiddiya Arena for sponsorship purposes), the 5V5 Arena (known as the Amazon Arena for sponsorship purposes), the BR Arena (known as the stc Arena for sponsorship purposes) and the Riyadh Festival. The stc Play Gaming Hall, also in Boulevard City, hosted last chance qualifiers for some games as well as the Strinova tournament.[9]
Format
editThe Esports World Cup encompassed 23 tournaments across its 22 competitive titles. Each tournament adhered to its own unique format and rules, while 22 of the tournaments contributed to a larger competition known as the Club Championship.[10]
Club Championship
editThe Club Championship was a cross-game competition within the Esports World Cup. The championship gave out a total of US$20 million among the top 16 clubs (used by the EWC in place of "organization"), determined by their overall performance in various games throughout the tournament. To qualify for the Club Championship, a club had to finish in the top 8 in at least two competitions, and to win the championship title, the club also had to secure first place in at least one competition. Only participants who were publicly announced as part of their respective organization before June 14, 2024 for most games, or June 28, 2024 for the Call of Duty games, were eligible to earn points for their club. Below is a breakdown of the points awarded based on placement in the individual game championships:[11]
| Pos. | Points | Pos. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1000 | 5 | 110 |
| 2 | 600 | 6 | 70 |
| 3 | 350 | 7 | 40 |
| 4 | 200 | 8 | 20 |
Club Support Program
editThe Esports World Cup Foundation's Club Support Program is an initiative designed to provide substantial financial assistance to selected esports organizations. Through this program, chosen teams receive annual financial support to enhance their operations and create more opportunities for professional players. A total of 30 esports organizations were selected to the Club Support Program, 22 of which were invited and 8 were admitted out of over 150 applicants based on past competitive achievements, future strategies, and approaches to fan engagement. As with all other competitors in the EWC, members of the Club Support Program must earn qualification for each game's event and the Club Championship, but they will remain eligible for annual financial rewards irrespective of their qualification status, as well as a one-time payment if an organization wants to enter new esports, particularly those who have a presence at the Esports World Cup. The rewards are contingent upon each member's capacity to enhance viewership and fan engagement for the EWC.[12]
The 30 teams represent the five major competitive regions — Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and the Middle East — with the majority of the teams being primarily based in Europe or North America.[12]
- Europe
- North America
- South America
- Middle East
Calendar
edit| ● | Competitions days |
| July/August 2024 | July | August | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | ||||
| Apex Legends | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Call of Duty: Warzone | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Counter-Strike 2 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dota 2 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EA Sports FC 24 | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fortnite | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Garena Free Fire | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Honor of Kings | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang |
Men's | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Women's | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| League of Legends | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overwatch 2 | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PUBG Mobile | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rainbow Six Siege | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rennsport | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rocket League | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| StarCraft II | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Street Fighter 6 | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Strinova | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Teamfight Tactics | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tekken 8 | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results
editEvent winners
edit| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Legends |
Alliance Effect Hakis unlucky |
Team Falcons Genburten ImperialHal Zer0 |
Luminosity Gaming Fuhhnq Sikezz sweetdreams |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III |
Atlanta FaZe aBeZy Cellium Drazah Simp |
100 Thieves[c] Ghosty JoeDecieves Kremp Nastie |
OpTic Gaming[d] Dashy Kenny Pred Shotzzy |
| Vancouver Surge 04 Abuzah Breszy Huke | |||
| Call of Duty: Warzone |
Team Falcons Biffle Shifty Soka |
Fnatic Almond Newbz Skullface |
Twisted Minds Aydan Knight zSmit |
| Counter-Strike 2 |
Natus Vincere Aleksib b1t iM jL w0nderful |
G2 Esports huNter- NiKo malbsMd m0NESY Snax |
Virtus.pro electroNic fame FL1T Jame n0rb3r7 |
| MOUZ Brollan Jimpphat siuhy torzsi xertioN | |||
| Dota 2[e] |
Gaimin Gladiators Ace dyrachyo Quinn Seleri tOfu |
Team Liquid 33 Boxi Insania miCKe Nisha |
Team Falcons ATF Cr1t- Malr1ne skiter Sneyking |
| EA Sports FC 24 |
jafonso (Luna Galaxy) | Young (Tuzzy E-Sports) | PHzin (Al-Ula FC) |
| AbuMakkah (Team Falcons) | |||
| Fortnite[f] |
XSET Cold Edgey Muz Ritual |
Exceed Kwanti Meelks Okis Peterbot |
Heroic Fredoxie Hellfire Kiro Th0masHD |
| Karmine Corp Anas Malibuca Merstach SwizzY | |||
| Garena Free Fire[g] |
Team Falcons COUGAR COZQ ONEMORE ONFIRE PETER |
EVOS Divine AbaaaX AimGOD Bara Geday Reyyy |
Netshoes Miners General NANDO9 Proxx7 Raone7 |
| Honor of Kings[h] |
KPL Dream Team[i] Cat (All Gamers) Chance (Douyu Gaming) Fly (Rogue Warriors) Fox (LGD NBW) Hai (EStar Pro) NoFear (JD Gaming) Pang (Wolves) Qing (Talent Gaming) Rong (EStar Pro) Yinuo (All Gamers) |
LGD Gaming MY Jimmy JR Muskang King Siang Zhe Zhihong |
Keyd Stars 0ne Dani Maynah Niap Supinão ySacer |
| All Gamers Global Lived Myosotis Qinglin SNOW Zaiz | |||
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – Men[j] |
Selangor Red Giants Innocent Kramm Sekys Stormie YumS |
Falcons AP Bren[k] FlapTzy KyleTzy Owgwen Pheww Super Marco |
Liquid ECHO Bennyqt Jaypee KarlTzy Sanford Sanji |
| NIP Flash[l] Diablo Hades JPL KurtTzy Vanix | |||
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – Women[m] |
Omega Empress Amoree Ayanami Keishi Meraaay Shinoa |
Team Vitality Chell Cinny Fumi Vival Vivian |
Team Falcons Vega Chincaaw Funi Meylane Thall Violet |
| Victory Song Gamers Gayleee Kioway Minun Riyaan Syncro | |||
| League of Legends[n] |
T1 Zeus Oner Faker Gumayusi Keria |
Top Esports 369 Tian Creme JackeyLove Meiko |
Team Liquid Impact UmTi APA Yeon CoreJJ |
| G2 Esports BrokenBlade Yike Caps Hans Sama Mikyx | |||
| Overwatch 2 |
Crazy Raccoon CH0R0NG HeeSang Junbin LIP MAX Shu |
Toronto Ultra MER1T Rupal SOMEONE Sugarfree Vega |
Team Falcons ChiYo Fielder Hanbin Proper SirMajed smurf Stalk3r |
| ZETA DIVISION AlphaYi BERNAR Fearless FINN Flora Viol2t | |||
| PUBG: Battlegrounds[o] |
Soniqs hwinn Kickstart Shrimzy TGLTN |
Petrichor Road Aixleft AZ Cui71 Ming Summer |
FaZe Clan curexi Gustav Fexx Jeemzz |
| PUBG Mobile[p] |
Alpha7 Esports Carrilho Mafioso Magrelin Revo |
Reject Devine Duelo Reiji SaRa |
Tianba GGBond Long Lyu Qzzz |
| Rainbow Six Siege |
Team BDS BriD LikEfac Shaiiko Solotov Yuzus |
w7m esports d4sh Dodez Dotz L0BIN volpz |
Team Liquid Lagonis Maia Nesk Paluh resetz |
| Furia Esports FelipoX HerdsZ Jv92 Kheyze nade | |||
| Rennsport[q] |
Kevin Siggy (Team Redline) | Sebastian Job (Team Redline) | Maximilian Benecke (MOUZ) |
| Team Redline Jeffery Rietveld Kevin Siggy Luke Bennett Sebastian Job |
Team Vitality Erhan Jajovski Jiri Toman Marcell Csincsik Thibault Cazaubon |
MOUZ Christopher Dambietz Maximilian Benecke Moritz Löhner Yuri Kasdorp | |
| Rocket League[r] |
Team BDS dralii ExoTiiK M0nkey M00n |
Team Falcons Kiileerrz Rw9 trk511 |
Gen.G Mobil1 Racing ApparentlyJack Chronic Firstkiller |
| G2 Stride Atomic Daniel nass | |||
| StarCraft II[s] |
Clem (Team Liquid) | Serral (BASILISK) | Dark (Talon Esports) |
| herO (Weibo Gaming) | |||
| Street Fighter 6 |
Xiao Hai (KuaiShow Gaming) | Kawano (Good 8 Squad) | Tachikawa (Burning Core Toyama) |
| gachikun (Good 8 Squad) | |||
| Strinova[t] |
MMR Fan ON Rite Xiaowu yzii |
Super Shuai BriBri BTMC Kariyu lyr1c Tuonto |
Nova Guardians kept Masuo SKJsa2 SKJShinka SoVault |
| Twisted Minds ExiT Fr4nky Gwzh Saint Zimo | |||
| Teamfight Tactics[n][u] |
Wolves Esports LiShao Serein Sheltie YGQF |
T1 Binteum Bobae dunizuni sCsC |
Team Vitality K3soju MilkK Setsuko torontotokyo |
| Twisted Minds 60second Huanmie RiYue Snowy | |||
| Tekken 8 |
ULSAN (Kwangdong Freecs) | ATIF (Team Falcons) | Yagami (Al Qadsiah FC) |
| Double (ZETA DIVISION) |
Club Championship standings
edit| Key | |
|---|---|
| Colour | Result |
| Gold | Winner |
| Silver | Second place |
| Bronze | Third place or equivalent |
| Green | Other points position |
| Blue | Other classified position |
| Red | Did not qualify (DNQ) |
| White | Did not enter (DNE) |
| Pos. | Team | CWZ | LOL | FF | MSC | CS2 | DOTA2 | MWI | OW2 | PUBGM | APEX | HOK | R6 | FN | SF6 | TFT | MW3 | EAFC | SC2 | REN | RL | PUBGB | T8 | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team Falcons[FLC] | 1 | DNE | 1 | 2 | DNQ | 3 | 3–4 | 3–4 | 17 | 2 | 11–12 | DNQ | 5–8 | 17–24 | 9–12 | 12–16 | 3–4 | DNQ | 7–8 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 5655 |
| 2 | Team Liquid[TL] | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | 3–4 | DNQ | 2 | DNE | DNE | 8 | 7 | DNE | 3–4 | DNQ | 17–24 | DNQ | DNE | 5–8 | 1 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 2545 |
| 3 | Team BDS | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 1 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 1 | DNE | DNE | 2000 |
| 4 | Team Vitality[VIT] | 9 | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | 2 | DNE | DNE | DNE | 11–12 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 3–4 | DNE | DNQ | 6–7 | 2 | 5–8 | DNE | 9–12 | 1650 |
| 5 | T1 | DNE | 1 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 2 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 19 | 17–24 | 1600 |
| 6 | FaZe Clan[FZE] | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 13 | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNE | 1 | DNE | DNE | 11 | DNE | 3 | DNQ | 1470 |
| 7 | Gaimin Gladiators[GAI] | 21 | DNE | 8 | DNQ | DNQ | 1 | 9–12 | DNQ | 4 | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 12–18 | DNE | 12–16 | 24 | DNQ | 1280 | |
| 8 | Natus Vincere | 5 | DNE | DNE | DNE | 1 | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 30 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | 12–18 | DNE | DNE | 10 | 17–24 | 1170 |
| 9 | G2 Esports[G2] | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | 2 | 19–20 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | 12–16 | DNE | DNE | 9–10 | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | 1150 |
| 10 | Kwangdong Freecs[FRE] | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 5 | 1 | 1110 |
| 11 | Toronto Ultra[TOR] | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 2 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 720 |
| 12 | Twisted Minds[TM] | 3 | DNQ[LOL] | 11 | 9–16 | DNQ | DNE | DNQ | 5–8 | 13 | 8 | DNQ | DNQ | DNE | 9–12 | 3–4 | DNE | DNQ | 8–11 | DNE | 9–12 | 18 | 9–12 | 710 |
| 13 | MOUZ | DNE | DNQ[LOL] | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | 15–16 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 13–16 | DNE | DNE | DNE | 12–18 | 3 | DNE | DNE | DNE | 665 |
| 14 | Fnatic[FNC] | 2 | 5–8 | DNE | 9–16 | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 9–12 | DNE | 18 | DNE | DNQ | 13–16 | 13–16 | 13–16 | DNE | 15–16 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 17–24 | 660 |
| 15 | ZETA DIVISION | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 13–16 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | 550 |
| 16 | Furia Esports | DNE | DNQ[LOL] | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNQ | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | 13–16 | DNE | DNE | 11–12 | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | 395 |
| 16 | Weibo Gaming[WEI] | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 38 | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 395 | |
| 18 | All Gamers[AG] | 18 | DNQ | 5 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 12–18 | DNE | DNE | 9 | DNE | 385 |
| 19 | Talon Esports[TAL] | DNE | DNQ[LOL] | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 6 | DNE | DNQ | 13–16 | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 345 |
| 20 | Gen.G[GEN] | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 3–4 | DNQ | DNE | 335 |
| 20 | Virtus.pro | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 3–4 | 17–18 | DNE | 5–8 | DNQ | 24 | DNQ | DNQ | DNE | 17–24 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 12–18 | 12 | DNE | 23 | DNE | 335 |
| 22 | Guild Esports[GUI] | 4 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | 9 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 25–32 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 6 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | 270 |
| 23 | DRX | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 4 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 9–12 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | 260 |
| 24 | Cloud9[C9] | 20 | DNQ | DNE | 9–16 | DNQ | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNQ | DNE | 17–24 | DNE | 5–8 | 5–8 | 8–11 | DNE | DNQ | DNE | DNQ | 185 |
| 25 | Spacestation Gaming | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | 17 | DNE | 5–8 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 5–8 | DNQ | DNE | 180 |
| 26 | Team Spirit | DNE | DNE | DNE | 9–16 | 5–8 | 7–8 | DNE | DNE | 27 | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | DNE | 90 |
Championship Notes:
- Only teams who have qualified for the Club Championship are listed here.
- A team may win the Club Championship by winning at least one event.
Club Notes:
- ^ All Gamers: All Gamers acquired the roster of Stalwart Esports in Free Fire. In League of Legends, their division is known as Anyone's Legend. Their teams in the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason as well as PUBG: Battlegrounds were known as All Gamers Global; two of the players on their King Pro League team, Yinuo and Cat, made the KPL Dream Team in the former.
- ^ Cloud9: Cloud9 signed BloodThirstyKings for MSC and Reignfall for MWI to enter Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. They also partnered with beastcoast in Rainbow Six Siege (forming Cloud9 Beastcoast) and acquired the New York Subliners for Modern Warfare III (who became Cloud9 New York).
- ^ FaZe Clan: FaZe Clan acquired Made in Heaven in Apex Legends. FaZe also has a Fortnite division but did not enter qualifying tournaments for Esports World Cup: Featuring Fortnite. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, they were represented by the Atlanta FaZe of the Call of Duty League.
- ^ Fnatic: Fnatic partnered with ONIC Esports in MSC for both their Indonesian and Filipino divisions; the Indonesian division qualified but did not score points for Fnatic.
- ^ G2 Esports: G2 Esports partnered with Invictus Gaming in Dota 2 to form G2.iG. In Rocket League, they are known as G2 Stride in a collaboration with Stride Esports. In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, they represent the CDL's Minnesota RØKKR.
- ^ Gaimin Gladiators: Gaimin Gladiators initially partnered with Indostars in Free Fire. Since EWC rules state that a club may only have one partnership, their subsequent partnership with HomeGirls (the female division of HomeBois) for MWI was ruled as ineligible. The points earned by Gaimin Gladiators HomeGirls, therefore, were not added to Gaimin's overall total.
- ^ Gen.G: Gen.G's Rocket League division is known as Gen.G Mobil1 Racing, in partnership with the Mobil 1 synthetic motor oil.
- ^ Guild Esports: Guild Esports acquired Serenity to re-enter Apex Legends. Their Counter-Strike 2 division was known as Guild Eagles after they acquired the then-unsigned Bad News Eagles roster. Guild would partner with R8 Esports for MWI, but failed to qualify. Whilst they also signed Dan "Stingray" Ray for EA Sports FC, he was released before the Last Chance Qualifier.
- ^ Kwangdong Freecs: In Tekken 8, both CherryBerryMango and ULSAN finished in the top 8 for Kwangdong Freecs, but only ULSAN's win earned them points in the Club Championship.
- ^
- ^ Talon Esports: In League of Legends and Rainbow Six Siege, Talon Esports are known as PSG Talon in partnership with French football club Paris Saint-Germain. The team they sent to qualify for the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason was known as Talon Esports ID; the main Talon team plays Arena of Valor and as such couldn't qualify for the tournament.
- ^ Team Falcons: In both MSC and MWI, Team Falcons had two teams qualify – Team Falcons (MPL MENA) and Falcons AP Bren (their partnership with AP Bren in MPL Philippines) for MSC, Team Falcons Vega (Indonesia) and Team Falcons Vega MENA for MWI. Falcons AP Bren scored points for MSC, while Team Falcons Vega scored points for MWI. Team Falcons also acquired the Apex Legends spot of DarkZero Esports by signing Zer0 and Genburten.
- ^ Team Liquid: Team Liquid acquired STUN.GG, owners of AURA Esports and ECHO Philippines, to enter Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Their Filipino division, known then as Liquid ECHO, earned points for Team Liquid in MSC. They also partnered with Team Gullit for EA Sports FC; ManuBachoore scored points for Liquid. In StarCraft II, both Clem and Cure finished in points-paying positions, but only Clem's win counted towards their Club Championship total.
- ^ Toronto Ultra: Toronto Ultra acquired Never Lucky in Teamfight Tactics. OverActive Media (Toronto Ultra's owners) had their Overwatch 2 division, the Toronto Defiant, change their name to Toronto Ultra for the tournament. OverActive Media also own MAD Lions KOI in League of Legends and Movistar KOI in Counter-Strike 2; it is unknown if they would've changed their names to Toronto Ultra had they qualified for their respective tournaments.
- ^ Twisted Minds: Twisted Minds partnered with Legends Gaming in Apex Legends. They also participated in the Strinova tournament, finishing tied for 3rd place.
- ^ Team Vitality: Team Vitality acquired ONSYDE Gaming to enter StarCraft II. Solar and Maru qualified for the SCII tournament and finished in points-paying positions, but only Maru's 6th–7th finish counts towards their Club Championship total.
- ^ Weibo Gaming: Weibo Gaming partnered with Wonton Dumpling in Apex Legends and Xtreme Gaming for Dota 2; the latter's points counted for Xtreme Gaming and not Weibo. Their team in the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason was known as Weibo Gaming MY; none of the players on their King Pro League team made the KPL Dream Team.
Prize pool
editThe 2024 Esports World Cup had a prize pool of US$62.5 million, the largest combined prize pool in esports history. The prize money was broken down into four categories: the Club Championship, the individual Game Championships, Qualifiers, and MVP Awards. The Club Championship awarded $20 million to the top 16 teams based on their overall performance, while each of the 22 Game Championships had a combined prize pool of $33.8 million. Teams earned a combined $7 million during qualifying events, and the MVP of each event was awarded $50,000.[10]
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Club Championship | $20,000,000 |
| Game Championships | $33,800,000 |
| Qualifiers | $7,600,000 |
| MVP Awards | $1,100,000 |
| Pos. | Team | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Team Falcons | $7,000,000 |
| 2 | Team Liquid | $4,000,000 |
| 3 | Team BDS | $2,000,000 |
| 4 | Team Vitality | $1,500,000 |
| 5 | T1 | $1,250,000 |
| 6 | FaZe Clan | $1,000,000 |
| 7 | Gaimin Gladiators | $800,000 |
| 8 | Natus Vincere | $600,000 |
| 9 | G2 Esports | $450,000 |
| 10 | Kwangdong Freecs | $350,000 |
| 11 | Toronto Ultra | $250,000 |
| 12 | Twisted Minds | $200,000 |
| 13–15 | MOUZ | $150,000 |
| Fnatic | ||
| ZETA DIVISION | ||
| 16–17 | Furia Esports | $75,000 |
| Weibo Gaming |
Response
editThe announcement of the 2024 Esports World Cup was met with a mixed response due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record and the tournament's use for sportswashing.[16] Saudi Arabia's significant investment in the esports scene, amounting to billions of dollars, has led to a rapid expansion of the industry within the country. However, these developments have occurred against a backdrop of ongoing international scrutiny regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, and its handling of dissent.[17] In June 2024, Team Liquid announced their intention to wear a Pride-inspired jersey at the Esports World Cup and were permitted to do so.[18]
In March 2024, esports organization Ex Oblivione announced their decision not to participate in the Overwatch 2 competition at the 2024 Esports World Cup. The team expressed concerns about the lack of necessary accessibility for all members of their community and the potential exclusion of their fans from participating in the event alongside them. This decision received a mixed response from their followers and the community, with many expressing support for their stance while others criticized the organization.[19]
In June 2024, the Esports Awards announced that they would hold a ceremony at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh in late August. The announcement was met with criticism from multiple esports personalities. Additionally, multiple stakeholders and personnel, including esports hosts Caleb Simmons and Alex "Goldenboy" Mendez, resigned from the Esports Awards panel.[20][21]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ For events with no tiebreakers, 3–4 receive 275 points, 5–6 receive 90 points, 5–8 receive 60 points, and/or 7–8 receive 30 points.[11]
- ^ OverActive Media, who own Movistar KOI, will have its teams compete as Toronto Ultra for the 2024 EWC.
- ^ 100 Thieves represented the Los Angeles Thieves of the Call of Duty League.
- ^ OpTic Gaming represented OpTic Texas of the Call of Duty League.
- ^ Known as the Riyadh Masters 2024, part of the Riyadh Masters series and a stop on the ESL Pro Tour. Both previous seasons of the tournament were part of Gamers8, the predecessor of EWC.
- ^ This event is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Epic Games. This tournament will use the ESL Featuring Fortnite Squads mode instead of Duos like in the Fortnite Champion Series, and the tournament is officially known as Esports World Cup: Featuring Fortnite.[13]
- ^ Tournament is part of the Free Fire World Series.
- ^ Known as the Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason 2024, part of the Honor of Kings Invitational Series.
- ^ Representative all-star team made up of players from China's King Pro League. The clubs these players come from are listed in parenthesis.
- ^ Known as the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024.
- ^ Due to a partnership, the points earned by this team go to Team Falcons.
- ^ Due to a partnership, the points earned by this team go to Ninjas in Pyjamas.
- ^ Known as the MLBB Women's Invitational 2024.
- ^ a b This event is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Riot Games, but the tournament is officially sanctioned by the developers.[14]
- ^ Tournament is part of the PUBG Global Series.
- ^ Known as the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2024, part of the PUBG Mobile Global Championship.
- ^ Tournament is part of the ESL R1 circuit. The results on top are for the Driver's Championship, which does not count towards the Esports World Cup Club Championship, while the results on the bottom are for the Team Championship, which does count towards the Esports World Cup Club Championship.
- ^ This event is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Psyonix, and will be known as Esports World Cup: Featuring Rocket League.[15]
- ^ Tournament is part of the ESL Pro Tour.
- ^ Tournament does not count towards the Esports World Cup Club Championship.
- ^ Tournament utilizes four-player teams instead of the conventional 1v1 competitive format.
References
edit- ^ "Was the Esports World Cup 2024 a viewership success?".
- ^ Yaakoubi, Aziz (October 23, 2023). "Saudi Arabia launches Esports World Cup – statement". Reuters. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Saudi Crown Prince unveils National Gaming and Esports Strategy". Arab News. 2022-09-15. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
- ^ Nordland, Jake (October 23, 2023). "Saudi Arabian Prime Minister announces Esports World Cup". Esports Insider. Archived from the original on March 19, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "HRH CROWN PRINCE ANNOUNCES ESPORTS WORLD CUP". esportsworldcup.com. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
- ^ Richman, Olivia (February 21, 2024). "Esports World Cup Reveals First 5 Esports Titles". Esports Illustrated. Archived from the original on April 10, 2024. Retrieved April 10, 2024.
- ^ Fudge, James (12 June 2024). "Call of Duty Games Confirmed for the Esports World Cup". The Esports Advocate. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
- ^ Church, Ben (2024-04-16). "Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send 'positive message' to industry". CNN. Retrieved 2024-10-11.
- ^ Church, Ben (April 16, 2024). "Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send 'positive message' to industry". CNN. Archived from the original on June 4, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Takahashi, Dean (April 16, 2024). "Esports World Cup will have record-breaking prize pool of more than $60M". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Zalamea, Nigel (May 16, 2024). "Esports World Cup prize pool: Club championship explained". One Esports. Archived from the original on May 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
- ^ a b Fragen, Jordan (May 6, 2024). "Esports World Cup adds 30 teams to financial support program". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ "No one saw this coming". www.instagram.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ "Advancing the Esports and Player Experience in MENA". Riot Games. Archived from the original on 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ "It's time to conquer the pitch". www.instagram.com. Archived from the original on 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
- ^ Church, Ben (July 6, 2024). "A new esports tournament in Saudi Arabia promises to be a game-changer – but it's also caused division in the industry". CNN. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
- ^ Daniel, Tom (October 26, 2023). "Ralf Reichert addresses Esports World Cup impact and criticisms". Esports Insider. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ McIntyre, Isaac; Wahjudi, Mika Permana (2024-07-04). "Team Liquid teams get OK to wear Pride jerseys at Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup". Dot Esports. Retrieved 2024-07-04.
- ^ Sacco, Dom (March 29, 2024). "Ex Oblivione refuse to play in Overwatch 2 Esports World Cup". Esports News UK. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
- ^ Esguerra, Tyler (8 June 2024). "'Extremely disappointed': Goldenboy resigns from Esports Awards over controversial decision". Dot Esports.
- ^ Maas, Lea (June 11, 2024). "Multiple stakeholders leave Esports Awards panel following EWC partnership". Esports Insider. Retrieved July 6, 2024.