Stands are prepared for visitors during the opening ceremony of 2024 Esports World Cup is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on July 2.
Mohammed Saad/Anadolu/Getty Images
A new esports tournament in Saudi Arabia promises to be a game-changer – but it’s also caused division in the industry
Spectators watch video games as gamers from different countries play during an esports and gaming festival Gamers8 at Boulevard Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, July 9, 2023.
Ahmed Yosri/Reuters
Inaugural Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, worth more than $60M, hopes to send ‘positive message’ to struggling industry
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning in Game 7 of the baseball NL Championship Series in Philadelphia Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Brynn Anderson/AP
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Fans watch a "League of Legends" tournament at the Zenith on May 18, 2018 in Paris, France
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Video

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• Video 2:28
CNN
Video Saudi Arabia is hosting the world’s first Esports World Cup 2:28
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• Video 2:30
Esports World Cup Foundation
Video Gamers are competing for a record-breaking $60m prize pool at the Esports World Cup 2:30
Javier Zafra, Fnatic's Director for League of Legends
• Video 1:06
CNN
Video Pro-Gamers at Esports World Cup predict explosive industry growth 1:06
Romain Bigeard, the General Manager for League of Legends at G2 Esports
• Video 1:06
CNN
Video Esports World Cup takes competitive gaming to new heights 1:06

Sport photos

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) catches a pass in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
• Gallery Gallery
Matt Durisko/AP
Gallery The best photos from the 2024 NFL season
TOPSHOT - Spain's Rafael Nadal serves to Italy's Simone Bolelli during their men's singles first round match on day two of The Roland Garros 2018 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on May 28, 2018. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images
Gallery In pictures: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal

Sport news

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks towards the crowd during a timeout against the Denver Nuggets in the second half of the NBA Opening night game at Ball Arena on October 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
Justin Tafoya/Getty Images
LeBron James says he will have a break from social media after citing ‘negative takes’
MALAGA, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 20: Jasmine Paolini of Italy lifts the Billie Jean King Cup trophy during the trophy presentation after winning the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena on November 20, 2024 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images for ITF)
Fran Santiago/Getty Images
‘It’s a joke’: Italian tennis star crowned world champion after winning Olympic gold, can hardly believe her own success
DUBLIN, OHIO - JUNE 08: Brian Harman of the United States plays his shot from the 18th tee during the third round of the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club on June 08, 2024 in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Woman in coma after trying to save golfer Brian Harman’s six-year-old son from drowning
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) leads the team onto the field to play the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
A Super Bowl hangover and a head coach brothers’ clash: Five things to look out for in Week 12 of the NFL season