Saudi Arabia invests heavily, shaping the next generation of champions

Since its debut in 2024, the Esports World Cup (EWC) has been a frequent topic of discussion across the esports industry, particularly regarding inclusivity and long-term ecosystem development. Organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the annual multi-title event takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

Ahead of the next edition, EWCF COO Mike McCabe and Chief Games Officer Fabian Scheurmann addressed questions around women’s and LGBTQ+ representation during a press conference attended by Esports Insider. McCabe reiterated that all competitors are welcome to participate, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, stating that the core objective is to support competitive play at the highest level. 

Saudi Arabia has ramped up its investment in women’s esports via the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, with regional tournaments already underway in games like VALORANT and Overwatch 2. McCabe noted that the EWC aims to showcase more women’s competitions but stressed that long-term sustainability and strong publisher backing are crucial. 

Scheurmann added that one-off events cannot replace full ecosystems, highlighting the need for year-round opportunities. For 2026, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will once again host a women’s international tournament, with 16 teams competing for a $500,000 prize pool and a world championship title.