The Saudi-founded Esports World Cup has expanded beyond Riyadh for the first time, bringing more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries to Paris for seven weeks of competition across 24 game titles and a total prize pool of $75 million. The event reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to build an international gaming and esports industry through its Vision 2030 diversification strategy, supported by investments in tournaments, game publishers and esports companies. With $30 million reserved for the multi-title Club Championship, the Paris edition will test whether the competition can build a lasting global audience and identity outside its original Saudi host city.