Amazon Joins Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has partnered with Amazon and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh. This collaboration aims to provide a more immersive and interactive experience for millions of fans by using advanced technology. Amazon will leverage its retail expertise and AWS cloud technology to create a seamless connection between shopping, entertainment, and competitive gaming. This one-stop experience will be available on Amazon.sa and Amazon.ae.
The Growing Gaming Market in Saudi Arabia
According to Fahad Bahdailah, Head of Communications for Amazon Saudi Arabia, the country has over 23.5 million gamers and a gaming market valued at $2.3 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing in the world. This partnership is a move to engage with this growing market and provide localized experiences for fans. The EWC, with a prize pool of $70 million, features 25 tournaments across 24 games, bringing together 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambition in Sports and Esports
The article also notes that Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports and is preparing to host the inaugural Esports Olympics in 2027. This investment is part of a broader strategy to establish the country as a major global hub for both traditional sports and esports, as evidenced by its hosting of high-profile events in tennis, golf, and boxing.
