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
Analysis: World Series or not – viewership is baseball’s big problem
Fans watch a "League of Legends" tournament at the Zenith on May 18, 2018 in Paris, France
Chesnot/Getty Images
The Asian Games’ golden ticket: South Korea’s esports stars target medal success – and a military exemption

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)
• Gallery Gallery
Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty Images
Gallery In pictures: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal

Sport news

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma and associate head coach Chris Dailey honored before Wednesday's game.
Jessica Hill/AP
UConn’s Geno Auriemma sets all-time college basketball wins record
Detroit Tigers’ Tarik Skubal and Atlanta Braves’ Chris Sale earns first Cy Young.
Reuters
Tigers’ Tarik Skubal and Braves’ Chris Sale win first Cy Young Awards
(L-R) Julian Alaphilippe of France, Rien Schuurhuis of Vatican, Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Romain Bardet of France prior to the 95th UCI Road World Championships 2022, Men Elite Road Race a 266,9km race from Helensburgh to Wollongong / #Wollongong2022 / on September 25, 2022 in Helensburgh, Australia.
Tim de Waele/Velo/Getty Images
Can the sporty be Godly? Why the Vatican is in the race to become a global sporting presence
Chris Cole #18 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Sanford Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Athens, Georgia. Georgia defeated Tennessee 31-17.
Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
Big Ten and SEC continue to hold sway in latest College Football Playoff rankings