Richard Dean
Updated on: October 10, 2024 12:11 am GMT
Is the Esports World Cup a Success? Stakeholders Weigh In
The Esports World Cup (EWC) has drawn diverse reactions following its conclusion on August 25, 2023. While organizers and sponsors express optimism about the event’s outcomes, critical voices question its sustainability and ability to achieve future objectives. As the dust settles, key information regarding viewership, participant representation, and economic impact comes into focus.
Viewership Trends: A Mixed Bag
In the weeks following the event, significant data has emerged about viewership. Despite notable successes, particularly in mobile games popular in Asia, the event’s overall performance showcased room for growth. Mobile titles like ”Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” achieved peak viewership figures of 2.38 million, while “Honor of Kings” reached 481,000 viewers. These numbers represent a clear improvement over last year’s Gamers8 event.
However, criticisms arose concerning other major tournaments. For instance, the EWC’s “League of Legends” tournament attracted an impressive 1.1 million peak viewers but failed to rank as the top event of the year, falling behind competitions such as Riot Games’ Mid-Season Invitational. This discrepancy raises essential questions about the event’s ability to draw an audience relative to its significant production investments, including a historic $60 million prize pool.
Broader Impact: Economic Boost for Riyadh
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasized the positive impact of the event on tourism in Riyadh, noting a 30% increase in tourism this year. This statistic aligns with the broader ambitions of the Saudi government to solidify its presence in the global entertainment landscape. Reichert stated, ”It was made very clear that the wider industry, as well as the local government, is right behind this.”
The financial boost to the local economy adds a critical layer of success, providing tangible benefits even amid fluctuating viewership numbers. However, this close relationship with the Saudi Arabian government has not been without controversy, as various community members have voiced concerns regarding the country’s human rights record.
Controversy: “Esportswashing” and Community Response
Critics have denounced the EWC as an example of “esportswashing,” a tactic that aims to divert attention from serious human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. Some competitors and organizations have opted to protest or boycott the event, casting a shadow on the event’s optimistic projections.
Despite these concerns, major sponsors, including Amazon, see value in the partnership with the Saudi government. Ahmed AlBrahim, Amazon’s retail category leader in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the company’s alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 goals, suggesting the potential for deeper engagement with local communities as a driving force behind their sponsorship.
Disparities in Representation: A Global Concern
While the EWC was a financial boon for some of the more established esports teams, the event highlighted gaps in representation, particularly for emerging organizations from less represented regions like Africa. Ikechukwu Okoye, secretary general of the Nigeria Esports Federation, noted, “Africa wasn’t represented; it was more of a big boys club.”
Echoing this sentiment, some groups raised concerns about the event’s focus on prominent esports teams at the expense of national representation, expressing hope that future competitions, such as the upcoming Olympic esports event scheduled in Riyadh next year, could provide more equitable opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Plans for the Next Esports World Cup
The prospect of the Esports World Cup returning to Riyadh next year is almost assured, with interest from sponsors and a lucrative hosting fee from the Saudi government solidifying its financial viability. Reichert commented on the future, saying, “We have a long-term relationship with Riyadh and Saudi, so we haven’t spoken to any other hosts for the short term.”
Despite confidence in the event’s current success, speculation lingers regarding potential future locations. The desire for the event to evolve into a truly global phenomenon—akin to the FIFA World Cup—remains a tantalizing prospect for many stakeholders.
In Summary
The Esports World Cup has delivered both growth and challenges in its wake. As stakeholders confront the intersection of esports, economic opportunity, and ethical responsibility, the future of the event—and its potential to transform the gaming landscape—remains an open question.
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