Neymar Emerges as eSports World Cup Champion in Riyadh

While recovering from a severe knee injury, Neymar has found a new way to channel his competitive spirit—eSports. Recently, the Brazilian football star showcased his gaming skills at the eSports World Cup, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, which featured a range of games, saw Neymar not just participating but dominating, even against some of the best in the gaming world.

Victory Against FIFA 18 Champion

Neymar’s most notable achievement at the event was his victory over Mossad “Msdossary” Saudi, the FIFA 18 world champion and FIFA 19 runner-up. Neymar didn’t just stop at FIFA; he also competed in Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and Tekken 8, securing wins across the board. His success in these matches was supported by experts, including Brazilian gaming legend Gabriel “Fallen,” who is highly regarded in the Counter-Strike community.

After a thrilling win in Tekken 8, Neymar’s excitement was palpable. He jumped out of his seat, punched the air, and shared a celebratory hug with his opponent. His girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi, was also present, cheering him on throughout the event. The win added a new accolade to Neymar’s list, as he took home the championship medal in the “Tekken 8 Match” during the eSports World Cup.

This event marked Saudi Arabia’s first time hosting the eSports World Cup, highlighting the nation’s growing influence in the global eSports arena. With substantial investments, Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a key hub for international gaming competitions.

The eSports World Cup, which started in 2024, is the evolution of the Gamers8 event, rebranded and expanded in late 2023. The tournament is now one of the largest in eSports history, offering a massive $60 million prize pool across 22 gaming categories. Team Falcons were crowned the inaugural champions. In addition to Counter-Strike and Tekken 8, the competition includes games like Dota 2, PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege.

Neymar’s love for gaming is well-known, and his participation in the eSports World Cup is a natural extension of that passion. He is also a dedicated poker player, having started during the 2014 World Cup. Neymar has competed in numerous poker tournaments and is serious about turning professional once his football career ends. Moreover, Neymar is an ambassador for Blaze, an online gaming platform, with a four-year contract promoting Blaze’s online casino worldwide, except in Brazil.