Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup Foundation Launches $20 Million Program to Boost Global Esports

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a Saudi Arabia-based nonprofit organisation, has announced a $20 million Club Partner Program aimed at enhancing global esports engagement. This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing the esports industry and aligns with the nation's broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy and promote technological innovation.​

The EWCF, headquartered in Riyadh, serves as the organiser of the annual Esports World Cup, positioning Saudi Arabia as a central hub for international esports competitions. The 2025 Esports World Cup is scheduled to take place at Boulevard City, Riyadh, further cementing the kingdom's role in the global esports landscape.

The Club Partner Program will provide up to $1 million in funding to each of the 40 selected esports organisations. These funds are designated to support innovative content creation and marketing campaigns leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025. The program emphasises global fan engagement through storytelling and creative initiatives, including behind-the-scenes productions, player documentaries, and live fan experiences.​

The selection process for the program was rigorous, with nearly 200 applications evaluated based on competitive track records, multi-game potential, social media presence, fan engagement, and strategic plans for audience activation. Among the chosen organisations are three leading Middle Eastern clubs: Team Falcons and Geekay Esports from Saudi Arabia, and Nasr Esports from the UAE. Their inclusion highlights the region's growing esports ecosystem and strategic ambition to establish itself as a dominant force in the industry.​

This initiative aligns with broader industry trends emphasising the importance of content creation and fan engagement in esports. By investing in these areas, the EWCF aims to enhance the global visibility of esports, attract new audiences, and solidify the industry's position within mainstream entertainment. The program also reflects a strategic effort to support clubs from rapidly expanding markets, thereby contributing to the global diversification and growth of esports.​

The financial support provided through the Club Partner Program is expected to bolster the operational capabilities of participating organisations, enabling them to invest in high-quality content and marketing strategies. This, in turn, can lead to increased sponsorship opportunities, merchandise sales, and other revenue streams. Moreover, by fostering a more engaged and expansive fan base, clubs can enhance their marketability and long-term sustainability.​

Saudi Arabia's broader push into esports and gaming is also evident through recent acquisitions, including the purchase of Niantic's Pokémon Go development team by the government-backed Savvy Games Group. Moves like these indicate a clear long-term strategy to expand Saudi Arabia's influence within gaming and interactive entertainment, further cementing the region as a key player in global esports investment.​

Looking ahead, the EWCF's Club Partner Program has the potential to set a precedent for similar initiatives within the esports industry. By demonstrating the value of targeted investments in content and fan engagement, the program may encourage other stakeholders to adopt comparable strategies. This could lead to a more vibrant and resilient esports ecosystem, characterised by diverse revenue streams and a deeply engaged global audience.​

The EWCF's $20 million Club Partner Program represents a significant investment in the future of esports. By empowering leading organisations to expand their reach and deepen fan connections, the initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in the continued evolution and mainstream integration of esports worldwide.