The Esports World Cup (EWC) Foundation has expanded its lineup for the first Esports World Cup happening this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by introducing five new games. The selection now includes battle royales like PUBG, tactical and shooter games such as Rainbow Six Siege and Overwatch 2, and mobile gaming hits Garena Free Fire and PUBG MOBILE. This broadens the event’s appeal by showcasing a wide range of the shooter genre.
With the addition of these titles, the total number of games featured at the competition reaches ten, joining the likes of Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and others previously announced. This eclectic mix promises a diverse and thrilling competition across various gaming genres at the summer 2024 event.
The EWC aims to celebrate the global gaming community’s talents by crowning the first-ever Esports World Cup Club Champion. The competition will highlight the best performances across individual and combined game events, fostering a unique celebration of esports. “First-person and tactical shooters are a cornerstone of gaming and esports and played by billions internationally,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. He added, “We’re excited to have them be a part of this first-of-its-kind event.”
The games chosen for the event celebrate the enduring popularity and competitive nature of shooter games. Notably, Rainbow Six Siege has demonstrated the genre’s lasting appeal, with its recent Six Invitational 2024 breaking viewership and attendance records. Similarly, PUBG has made significant contributions to the battle royale genre, with its mobile championship being the fourth most-watched esports tournament.
Overwatch 2 continues the legacy of its predecessor, engaging a global audience with its team gameplay. The Overwatch Champions Series offers a pathway for teams to qualify for the EWC. Meanwhile, Garena Free Fire has utilized mobile gaming’s growth to establish a widespread fan base, evidenced by hosting the most-viewed mobile esports tournament in 2021.