In a historic development for the esports community, Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to host the inaugural Esports World Cup starting from 2024, reported by GOAL. To mark this momentous occasion, renowned football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, currently playing for Al-Nassr, participated in a panel discussion held in the bustling city of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. During the event, Ronaldo had the privilege of meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the significance of this esports initiative on a global scale.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Ronaldo expressed his honor, stating, “An honor to meet again with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman and great to be part of this panel today discussing the future of esports and the launch of the first-ever #esportsworldcup that will be held in Saudi Arabia next year!”

The Esports World Cup is poised to become an annual extravaganza, featuring some of the most popular video games from around the world and offering an unprecedented prize pool, setting new standards for esports competitions. This move not only demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to embracing innovative forms of sports but also signifies its ambition to become a prominent player in the global esports landscape.

Beyond the realm of esports, Saudi Arabia's aspirations extend to traditional sports as well. The nation is widely anticipated to secure the prestigious role of hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup, highlighting its dedication to becoming a key hub for international sporting events. Furthermore, there have been notable expressions of interest in hosting the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2035, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering inclusivity and promoting gender equality within the realm of sports.