The Esports World Cup is set to be one of the most significant events in esports history, featuring a massive $60 million prize pool that has attracted numerous organizations to compete in one of the 19 confirmed titles over an 8-week tournament.
The tournament will showcase a variety of games, including traditional sports games, MOBAs, fighting games, and shooters, featuring some of the biggest names in esports. Organizations are encouraged to form teams for new games due to the incentives provided, leading to rapid industry growth even before the event begins, as teams join the EWC partner program.
I spoke with many of the competing players, as well as Cloud9 CEO Jack Etienne and Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheuermann, who curated the event’s game lineup, to understand their expectations for the Esports World Cup.
UNIFYING THE ESPORTS WORLD
The esports industry has expanded tremendously over the past decade, transforming from a niche interest into a vast ecosystem, albeit with some growing pains.
This growth has led to a fragmented system where different esports have varying structures. Franchised leagues like those of Riot Games ensure committed organizations get spotlight time, whereas open-bracket esports like fighting games can see players eliminated early, missing out on streaming exposure.
Running an organization across multiple esports requires significant capital and risk. If a team isn’t successful, sponsors won’t invest, and no single strategy works for every game. The Esports World Cup Foundation aims to support the entire industry by incentivizing the world’s largest organizations to engage in multiple esports through financial incentives.
Thirty organizations were given a six-figure stipend to invest in new esports teams. Additionally, $20 million of the $60 million prize pool is reserved for organizations, ensuring significant financial rewards.
Player Market
Although the announcement is recent, the selection process for these organizations has been ongoing, evident in the fighting game community. For example, Falcons signed Saint (Tekken 8), Vitality signed JEonDDing (Tekken 8), and Cloud9 signed JB (Street Fighter 6). This partnership program has already shown its impact, with niche esports communities gaining more full-time competitors, raising competition levels and growing the scene.
Joey Fury, who signed with FaZe Clan in 2023, highlighted the significance of this support for smaller esports communities, emphasizing the challenges of balancing full-time work with esports competition.
The enthusiasm for the EWC extends beyond niche esports. Cloud9 CEO Jack Etienne expressed excitement about providing a major international stage for games that usually lack such opportunities. He noted the transformative impact of the prize pools for players in various regions, enabling them to focus full-time on their passion. The addition of another international event for major esports like League of Legends is also a significant boost.
Fabian Scheuermann shared that many publishers eagerly supported the event, recognizing its potential to foster unprecedented growth in esports. The involvement of renowned players like Faker further underscores the event’s significance, with the anticipation of heightened competition and fan engagement.
ELEVATING NEW AND EXISTING GAMES
Creating a successful new esport is challenging, as established games like Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and DOTA 2 have maintained dedicated fanbases for years. While new games like Valorant have succeeded, it requires numerous factors aligning perfectly. Engaging fans in new esports or attracting new viewers is difficult but achievable, especially by leveraging the familiarity of traditional sports.
Young FIFA prodigy Anders Vejrgang is thrilled about competing on a grand stage with high stakes, reflecting the potential for new games to gain significant exposure.
The EWC’s location in Saudi Arabia also provides opportunities for players from regions that typically face visa challenges, such as the Middle East, to compete for substantial prize pools. Tekken champion Arslan Ash highlighted the advantages of hosting the event in a region accessible to Pakistani players, removing travel barriers and motivating the community.
Apex Legends competitor ImperialHal views the EWC as a pivotal opportunity for Apex Legends to gain more visibility and elevate its esports scene.
The EWC aims to mitigate the financial risks associated with esports by incentivizing teams to invest in diverse games. This approach will not only benefit players but also foster the development of smaller esports ecosystems.
FUTURE VISION FOR THE EWC
Scheuermann discussed the global inclusivity of the EWC, aiming to showcase a wide range of games from different regions, from Honor of Kings in China to Free Fire in Latin America. He emphasized the goal of creating a sustainable infrastructure that supports all stakeholders in the esports ecosystem, including players, organizations, and publishers.
The EWC plans to expand its roster of games in the future, with potential additions like Valorant. Scheuermann also aims to enhance women’s participation in esports, with plans to introduce more women’s tournaments next year, promoting inclusivity and representation.
Despite concerns about Saudi Arabia’s historical treatment of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, Scheuermann assured the safety and welcome of all participants, highlighting the kingdom’s ongoing transformation.
The Esports World Cup’s initiatives have already significantly impacted the ecosystem by offering unparalleled opportunities for organizations and players. The EWC aims to create a stable, long-lasting esports infrastructure that supports the biggest names in the industry for decades to come.