By Manal El Warraky
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is buzzing with anticipation ahead of the 2025 Esports World Cup, set to take place at Boulevard City from July 7 to August 24. With record-breaking participation, this year’s edition marks the largest in the history of the industry—whether in terms of player turnout, prize pool value, or diversity of events and competitions.
In a major new addition to the festival surrounding the tournament, the “Creator World” zone will debut for the first time, serving as a vibrant hub that blends interactive entertainment with casual competitions. Designed as one of the main attractions of the event, this space offers visitors an immersive experience inspired by the creative energy of digital content creators.
The area features open-air spaces filled with casual games, family-friendly activities, informal competitions, and dynamic engagement opportunities in a welcoming, high-energy environment. It aims to bridge the digital and physical worlds through an innovative, expandable model that mirrors mini entertainment cities, offering ever-evolving experiences and direct interaction with some of the region’s most influential content creators.
Among the featured guests are digital stars such as Bandrita X, Shong Bong, Topz, Abdulrahman, Rico, Mohamed Al-Alam, and Mohamed Elchef, who will participate in open sessions and exciting challenges throughout the event.
“Creator World” is divided into several specialized zones, including indoor and outdoor community areas, a main stage, creator experience zone, sponsor and publisher pavilions, and food and retail corners. It also hosts club-themed zones such as the Falcons World Champions Base, Power Zone, Lynx Lounge, and TU Clubhouse.
The visual design of the area further enriches the experience, featuring interactive art installations, murals, selfie spots, and thematic structures that allow visitors to capture and share memorable moments with their audiences—whether during live events or while exploring the venue.
The Community Zone plays a key role in encouraging friendly competition and real-time engagement, offering a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills, making the visitor an active participant rather than a passive observer.
In addition to “Creator World,” the 2025 Esports World Cup Festival offers a wide range of entertainment zones, including:
• The Esports Arena
• STC Games Hall, which combines community tournaments with workshops and networking sessions
• The Aramco Track, simulating Formula 1 races
• Sony Garden, celebrating Japanese pop culture
• Jameel Park, blending real-world automotive passion with advanced digital technology
• The Exhibition Hall, featuring diverse cultural and tech showcases
Nighttime at the festival comes alive with drone shows, fireworks, and live music, creating a comprehensive entertainment experience that reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for digital entertainment.
The 2025 Esports World Cup, now in its second edition, represents a landmark moment in the Kingdom’s national transformation journey. The event will host over 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing for a prize pool exceeding $70 million.
This ambitious global event reflects Saudi Arabia’s determination to establish itself as a leading force in the international esports landscape, showcasing world-class infrastructure and organizational capabilities that rival the highest global standards.
