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.



Real Madrid Beats Villarreal in La Liga but Loses Carvajal to Leg Injury

Medical staff's members tend to Real Madrid's Spanish defender #02 Dani Carvajal injured on the ground during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 5, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)
Medical staff's members tend to Real Madrid's Spanish defender #02 Dani Carvajal injured on the ground during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 5, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)
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Real Madrid Beats Villarreal in La Liga but Loses Carvajal to Leg Injury

Medical staff's members tend to Real Madrid's Spanish defender #02 Dani Carvajal injured on the ground during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 5, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)
Medical staff's members tend to Real Madrid's Spanish defender #02 Dani Carvajal injured on the ground during the Spanish league football match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on October 5, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Real Madrid rebounded from its first loss in nearly 10 months by beating Villarreal 2-0 at the possible cost of injured right back Dani Carvajal in La Liga on Saturday.
Federico Valverde and Vinícius Júnior scored for the defending champions four days after they lost at Lille 1-0 in the Champions League to halt a 36-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, The Associated Press reported.
Madrid remains unbeaten in 41 consecutive Spanish league games. Beating third-placed Villarreal gave Madrid the same 21 points as Barcelona, which visits Alaves on Sunday.
Carvajal was hurt in second-half stoppage time at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, going down in pain after kicking the leg of an opponent. He appeared to make a gesture showing something snapped in his leg. The Spain international was crying when he was carried off the field on a stretcher.
“It looks like it's a very serious knee injury," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. “Everyone is sad and worried. It's something that happens very often because of the calendar and it has happened to a very important player in out squad.”
Ancelotti said Carvajal will undergo tests. Madrid's reserve right back is Lucas Vázquez.
“Carvajal is a key player for us because of his experience and his attitude,” Ancelotti said of the 32-year-old defender who started in Madrid's youth squads and joined the main team in 2013-14.
Villarreal, which was coming off two straight wins, had only one attempt on target. Madrid had two, scoring on both of them.
Valverde scored in the 14th minute with a long-range shot that deflected in off a defender. Vinícius struck from outside the area in the 72nd into the top corner.
Aspas sent off for protesting Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas was sent off in a 1-0 win at last-placed Las Palmas after being issued consecutive yellow cards for protesting.
He complained about the referee’s decision to show a red card to teammate Ilaix Moriba and received the first yellow in the 54th minute. Aspas' second came in the 56th. The striker was seen briefly asking his teammates to leave the field after he was sent off.
Celta held on despite playing two men down to the end of the match. Borja Iglesia scored a 28th-minute winner in the visitor's only attempt on goal.
The result ended a three-game winless streak for Celta.
Las Palmas, the only team yet to win in the league, hasn’t won in 23 straight league matches going back to last season, when it barely avoided relegation.
Other results Jorge de Frutos scored a pair of second-half goals for Rayo Vallecano to win at Valladolid 2-1, while Espanyol defeated Mallorca 2-1 at home and Osasuna drew at Getafe 1-1.