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

esports world cup pkg1 card 1.jpg
• Video 2:28
CNN
Saudi Arabia is hosting the world’s first Esports World Cup 2:28
esports world cup pkg 2 video card 1.jpg
• Video 2:30
Esports World Cup Foundation
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
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
Esports World Cup takes competitive gaming to new heights 1:06

Sport photos

Minnesota Vikings safety Camryn Bynum (24) reacts after a play against the New York Jets during an NFL football game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in London. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
• Gallery Gallery
Steve Luciano/AP
Gallery The best photos from the 2024 NFL season
Pete Rose was a 17-time Major League Baseball All-Star who played more games and had more hits than anyone in league history.
• Gallery Gallery
Kim Kulish/Corbis/Getty Images
Gallery Pete Rose’s life in pictures

Sport news

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 08: Head coach Dan Bylsma and assistant coach Jessica Campbell of the Seattle Kraken look on during the first period against the St. Louis Blues at Climate Pledge Arena on October 08, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Campbell is the first woman to coach in the NHL. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Steph Chambers/Getty Images
Jessica Campbell makes history and becomes first ever female assistant coach in the NHL
In this April 13 photo, Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young arrives with the team before the start of the G-Day spring football game in Athens, Georgia.
Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald/USA Today Network/Imagn Images
Georgia football player Colbie Young arrested and charged with assault on unborn child and battery
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 23: Former Boston Red Sox player Luis Tiant waves to the crowd before Game One of the 2013 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park on October 23, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Famed Cuban, MLB pitcher Luis Tiant dies at 83
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh before a preseason NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Jacob Kupferman/AP
New York Jets fire head coach Robert Saleh after disappointing season start