The Esports World Cup, held in Riyadh from July 3 to August 25, 2024, has left an indelible mark on the esports industry. This eight-week extravaganza showcased top-tier competition across multiple game titles and attracted significant attention from viewers worldwide.
Viewership Metrics
The event enjoyed 120 million hours watched over its eight weeks of competition, according to Esports Charts. This positioned the Esports World Cup as the fourth most-watched esports series of 2024, behind only the MLBB Professional League, LCK, and Valorant Champions Tour 2024. Notably, the statistics do not include data from Chinese streaming platforms, which could alter the overall rankings if included. League of Legends and Counter-Strike 2 competitions made up over 64% of the total hours watched.
The event’s viewership metrics hold particular significance in today’s digital landscape, especially as alternative entertainment options, such as online gaming platforms like Golden Panda Login, continue to gain popularity. While the Esports World Cup achieved impressive aggregate numbers, individual game tournaments within the event generally did not break viewership records for their specific communities. For instance, the FC Pro 24 World Championship achieved a higher peak viewership than some of the tournaments within the World Cup.
Prize Pool and Distribution
The Esports World Cup Foundation allocated an impressive prize pool of over $60 million across its various tournaments. The Club Championship was a highlight, distributing $20 million among the top-performing teams.
Teams & prize money
- Team Falcons $7 million
- Team Liquid $4 million
- Team BDS $2 million
- Team Vitality $1.5 million
- T1 $1.25 million
This substantial prize pool injection is likely to have far-reaching effects on team organizations, player salaries, and overall investment in the esports ecosystem.
Attendance and Venue Impact
The event drew significant in-person attendance, with the Esports World Cup Foundation claiming 2 million visitors to Riyadh during the eight-week competition. This influx of esports enthusiasts undoubtedly had a positive economic impact on the host city, boosting tourism and local businesses.
Game-Specific Performance
While overall viewership numbers were impressive, individual game tournaments within the Esports World Cup generally did not break viewership records for their specific communities. The example of FC Pro 24 World Championship having a higher peak viewership than some World Cup tournaments highlights this trend.
Challenges and Considerations
The exclusion of Chinese streaming data from the official report presents a challenge in fully assessing the event’s global impact. Games like Honor of Kings may have significantly higher viewership numbers than reported. Additionally, discrepancies between various reports regarding total viewership highlight the need for standardized measurement practices in the industry.
Government Involvement and Future Implications
The Esports World Cup was funded by a grant from the Saudi Arabian government, representing a significant investment in esports by a national entity. The involvement of high-ranking officials in closing ceremonies underscores the importance placed on this event by the Saudi government.
While individual game tournaments may not have set new records, the Esports World Cup has demonstrated its potential to attract massive viewership and investment. Its overall impact on the industry is undeniable, setting a new benchmark for prize pools and influencing future international esports gaming competitions.
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