Saudi Arabia has officially renamed the Esports World Cup Foundation to the Esports Foundation, signaling a broader vision for the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding esports ambitions.
The name change was approved at a recent meeting of the Council of Ministers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the foundation’s charter was officially amended. While the name change may seem insignificant at first, the new name clearly indicates the foundation’s increasing importance in the global esports scene.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Change the Esports World Cup Foundation Name?
Previously operating under a title closely tied to a single flagship tournament, the foundation now oversees multiple major events, including the Esports World Cup and the Esports Nations Cup. By simplifying its name to “Esports Foundation,” the organization positions itself as a long-term governing and investment body rather than just an event operator.
The foundation receives funding from a sports grant that is supported by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Public Investment Fund has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, and it has invested heavily in gaming, sports, and entertainment initiatives as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.
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Saudi Arabia has quickly become one of the major players in the global esports scene, hosting major events with prize pools in the millions of dollars. The rebranding indicates a more organized structure to support future esports endeavors.
However, Saudi-backed sports projects have faced criticism from international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which argue that such investments may serve to improve the country’s global image.
As esports continues to grow worldwide, the newly named Esports Foundation is expected to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the competitive gaming landscape.
For more regular news and updates on the Esports World Cup 2026, keep an eye on Insidesport.
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