The Esports World Cup 2024 is set to be the pinnacle of competitive gaming, bringing together the world's best players and teams across a diverse range of titles.
Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, ESL FACEIT Group, and VSPO, the event will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June 28 to August 25, 2024, with a staggering prize pool of $60,000,000 USD.
Formation and Announcement
On October 23, 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of the Esports World Cup at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh.
This annual competition aims to be the premier event in the esports calendar, building on the foundation laid by the Gamers8 series, which has been hosted in Riyadh since 2022.
The Games and Competitions
The Esports World Cup features a wide array of games, each with its own independent structure for qualifying. The championship series for each title forms part of the overall Esports World Cup.
Here are some of the key games included in the tournament:
● Dota 2
● Counter-Strike
● Overwatch
● Rocket League
● Rainbow Six
● League of Legends
● PUBG
● Apex Legends
● Fortnite
● Fighters
● Arena of Valor
● Call of Duty
● Sim Racing
● Teamfight Tactics
● Free Fire
● Mobile Legends
● PUBG Mobile
In addition to the individual game competitions, the Esports World Cup also features a Club Competition for esports organizations that are part of the Esports World Cup Club Program.
This program supports 30 organizations, 22 of which received direct invitations, and eight that were selected after an open application process.
These organizations are eligible for an annual six-figure payout to support their operations and can gain financial rewards based on their performance in driving viewership and fan engagement.
Prize Pool and Points
The Club Championship boasts a prize pool of $20,000,000 USD, with the top 16 organizations sharing in the rewards. The winning team will take home $7,000,000 USD.
Teams earn points by finishing in the top 8 of a tournament, with first place awarding 1000 points. To win the Championship, a team must also secure victory in at least one of the 20 tournaments.
Week 1 Overview (2-7 JULY)
The Esports World Cup 2024 kicks off with an exciting first week, featuring intense competitions in Dota 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Here's a closer look at the events:
Riyadh Masters (Dota 2)
The Riyadh Masters gather 20 of the world's best Dota 2 teams to compete for a $5M prize pool. The competition is divided into three stages:
● Stage 1 - Play-In (July 4 - July 7)
12 teams are split into two groups of six, battling for a spot in the next round.
● Stage 2 - Group Stage (July 10 - July 14)
16 teams, including those advancing from the Play-In, are divided into two groups of eight.
● Stage 3 - Playoffs (July 16 - July 21)
The top 12 teams compete in a double elimination bracket to crown the Riyadh Masters champion.
League of Legends
League of Legends debuts at the EWC with a single-elimination bracket featuring 8 top-tier teams vying for a $1M prize pool. The competition runs from July 4 to July 7.
MLBB MSC 2024 x EWC
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid-Season Championship 2024 partners with EWC for a thrilling competition involving 23 teams. The stages are as follows:
● Stage 0 - Play-In (June 28 - June 30)
Wildcard round with two groups of four teams.● Stage 1 - Group Stage (July 3 - July 7)
16 teams compete in four groups of four.● Stage 2 - Playoffs (July 10 - July 14)
The top 8 teams face off in a single elimination bracket for a $3,000,000 prize pool.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone introduces its Resurgence mode at the EWC, featuring 21 teams of three players each, competing for a $1M prize pool.
The stages include:
● Stage 1 - Group Seeding (July 3)
A solo mode battle with 63 players to determine group placements.● Stage 2 - Group Stage (July 4 - July 5)
Three groups of seven teams compete to advance.
● Stage 3 - Finals (July 6)
The top 14 teams face off in the final showdown.
Editor's Comments
The Esports World Cup 2024 is set to redefine competitive gaming with its extensive lineup of games, impressive prize pools, and innovative Club Competition.
This event not only highlights the best in global esports talent but also fosters a sense of community and competition among participating organizations. The inaugural week has already set a high bar, and the excitement is sure to build as the summer progresses.
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