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.



Bayern Rivals Leverkusen and Dortmund Drop Points in Bundesliga

Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck gestures after losing the German Bundesliga soccer match between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, in Berlin, Germany, 05 October 2024. (EPA)
Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck gestures after losing the German Bundesliga soccer match between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, in Berlin, Germany, 05 October 2024. (EPA)
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Bayern Rivals Leverkusen and Dortmund Drop Points in Bundesliga

Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck gestures after losing the German Bundesliga soccer match between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, in Berlin, Germany, 05 October 2024. (EPA)
Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck gestures after losing the German Bundesliga soccer match between Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund, in Berlin, Germany, 05 October 2024. (EPA)

Bayern Munich won without playing on Saturday as Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund dropped points to modest opponents.

Dortmund slumped at Union Berlin to a 2-1 defeat without injured forward Karim Adeyemi, who starred in the team’s 7-1 rout of Celtic in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Defending champion Leverkusen squandered an early two-goal lead over promoted Holstein Kiel and drew 2-2. It was only Kiel’s second point in its debut top-flight season.

Leverkusen played in a special black jersey with red trim to commemorate the club’s 120th anniversary, and for Xabi Alonso it was also a special occasion – the Spanish coach took over exactly two years before.

Leverkusen fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate after Victor Boniface opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Jonas Hofmann made it 2-0 four minutes after that. Leverkusen looked set for a rout.

But the home team failed to make more of its dominance — Boniface had another goal ruled out for offside — and Kiel secured a lifeline before the break when Max Geschwil scored after a corner. Fiete Arp scored an unlikely equalizer from the penalty spot in the 69th.

Also, Freiburg won at Werder Bremen 1-0, and Wolfsburg enjoyed a 3-1 win in Wolfsburg.

St. Pauli was playing Mainz later.

League leader Bayern visits second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.