The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the appointment of international football star and Al-Nassr FC captain Cristiano Ronaldo as a global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), to be held in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, in a move that reinforces Saudi Arabia's position and leadership in this vital and promising sector.
Ronaldo's appointment marks a significant milestone for the EWC, the largest event in the history of gaming and esports, serving as a global platform that brings together talent and celebrates a culture of innovation and excellence. This landmark collaboration underscores the growing influence of this sector, which now attracts millions of players and fans worldwide.
As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead EWC's international campaign and participate in key activities throughout the seven-week event at Riyadh's Boulevard City. He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of 25 major tournaments featured in this year's Esports World Cup. Leveraging his global fan base of over one billion social media followers, Ronaldo is expected to help attract new audiences and introduce them to some of the most prominent professional players in the gaming and esports world.
Ronaldo explained that sports are constantly evolving, stating that esports represent the future of the global sports and entertainment sectors. He noted that the passion, talent, and determination he sees in esports players are similar to those in his own football journey. He added that he is delighted to stand alongside these competitors and participate in a global event that inspires the next generation.
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo is one of the most influential athletes in the world. His presence extends beyond the stadium, bridging cultures and connecting millions of fans worldwide with a new generation of esports players.
The EWC features a multi-game, multi-platform format, offering clubs and players the opportunity to showcase their skills across diverse competitions.
This year's edition is expected to attract more than 2,000 professional gamers and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games, with total prize money exceeding $70 million. This reaffirms the Kingdom's leadership in hosting major global events and strengthens its position at the forefront of the gaming and esports sector.
