Esports World Cup Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia

The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. SPA
The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. SPA
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Esports World Cup Kicks Off in Saudi Arabia

The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. SPA
The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. SPA

The Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, has expressed confidence that the Esports World Cup held in the Kingdom will offer a unique experience, bringing together professionals, fans, and publishers to drive the industry forward and create exciting opportunities for all.

Prince Faisal spoke on Tuesday at a press conference in Riyadh to mark the opening of the Esports World Cup, taking place from July 3 to August 25. The tournament has garnered significant attention from the global gaming and esports community and is expected to make a substantial impact.

The CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, Ralf Reichert, described the tournament as "a remarkable celebration" that unites the international community through gaming and esports.

He highlighted that it represents a major step forward for the esports industry, promoting its growth and sustainability. Reichert expressed enthusiasm for the event's potential, where top esports clubs and players will compete for major prizes and the title of Esports World Cup champion.

Furthermore, the Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup, Faisal bin Homran, noted that there are currently 3.4 billion players worldwide.

"The upcoming tournament is an eagerly anticipated experience, and over the next eight weeks, it will lead to an unprecedented transformation in the gaming and esports landscape,” he said.

Homran invited people from around the world to witness the competition among global club players, making it a truly global celebration of excellence and fostering competition in the esports industry.

The Esports World Cup, taking place at Riyadh City Boulevard, positions Riyadh as a global destination for esports enthusiasts. With 22 championships in popular games and a prize pool exceeding $60 million, it offers the largest total prize pool in esports history.

Visitors can enjoy numerous events, activities, and interactive shows suitable for all ages, combining sports, entertainment, education, culture, and creativity.



Mitrovic Scores in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal’s Win after Returning from Injury

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
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Mitrovic Scores in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal’s Win after Returning from Injury

Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)
Football - Saudi Pro League - Al-Fayha v Al-Hilal - King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia - March 7, 2025 Al-Hilal's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts. (Reuters)

Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return to action following a two-month injury layoff by scoring a late goal in Al-Hilal's 2-0 win at Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.

The Serbian forward, who was injured in a loss against Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Cup quarter-finals in January, scored his 13th goal in 14 games in SPL.

Mohamed Kanno opened the scoring early for Jorge Jesus's side, and Mitrovic sealed Al-Hilal's win with a close range strike in the 89th minute. VAR confirmed the goal after the check.

"It has been tough two and half months for me, had some problems with my hamstring, injury... after injury," Mitrovic told SSC Sports.

"I worked really hard to come back... I can help my teammates... happy with the goal," added the 30-year-old.

Second-placed Al-Hilal, on 54 points, closed the gap with leaders Al-Ittihad to four points. Al-Ittihad drew 1-1 with Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.