PUBG Mobile To Join 2024 Esports World Cup
PUBG Mobile has announced its participation in the 2024 Esports World Cup hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tournament replaces the traditional PUBG Mobile World Invitational and will offer a significant $3 million prize pool for competing teams.
The Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup, a key component of Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy organised by the non-profit Esports World Cup Foundation, aims to boost the economy and enhance the country's global esports presence. Evolving from the Gamers8 festival, the eight-week event will showcase a variety of titles as part of the nation's substantial investment in the gaming industry. Games showcased at the event are set to include CS:GO, Starcraft II, Free Fire, Honor of Kings, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, but the official dates of the Esports World Cup 2024 are currently unknown.
James Yang, Senior Director of Global Esports Center at Tencent, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Our midseason tournament has always been a fan favourite, bringing the world’s best players together in summer for an action-packed event that always provides excitement, drama and amazing stories. “That’s why we’re so excited to have the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) be part of the Esports World Cup, it will mean an even greater competition for PUBG Mobile fans. This won’t be a tournament to miss!"
“Esportswashing”
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the event, Saudi Arabia's esports ambitions have not escaped criticism from the esports community, especially regarding concerns about using esports to divert attention from the country’s LGBTQ+ and women's rights, and dissent crackdowns—a phenomenon known as "esportswashing."
As the gaming community eagerly awaits further announcements about the Esports World Cup, PUBG Mobile's inclusion promises an unforgettable showcase of skill, competition, and the ever-expanding global esports landscape.
