Official Lineup Unveiled for EWC 2024
The Esports World Cup (EWC) Foundation has officially announced the first five titles for its inaugural event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, slated for summer 2024. The lineup includes Honor of Kings, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and StarCraft II, marking a significant step in assembling diverse gaming communities for a global esports competition.
Diverse Game Selection for Global Appeal
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasized the selection’s reflection of esports’ past, present, and future. The chosen titles range from foundational PC games that helped establish the esports industry to leading mobile esports games that appeal to a new generation of gamers. This strategic mix aims to connect clubs, players, fans, and the broader esports community, elevating the global esports scene.
A Closer Look at the Selected Titles
The first set of games for the Esports World Cup includes:
- StarCraft II: A veteran in the esports arena, known for its strategic depth and the role it played in the early development of esports ecosystems.
- Dota 2: A title that has consistently broken viewership and prize pool records, underlining its long-standing popularity and competitive significance.
- Counter-Strike 2: The latest iteration in a franchise celebrated for its enduring presence in the esports world, marking a new chapter for the iconic series.
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: A mobile game that underscores the potential of mobile platforms in esports, recognized for its massive viewership figures and accessibility.
- Honor of Kings: The most-played mobile MOBA globally, with a $15 million investment announced to bolster its international esports ecosystem in anticipation of its full global launch.
Expanding the Esports Ecosystem
The Esports World Cup’s approach goes beyond competition, aiming to unite various gaming platforms, genres, and communities. With the EWC Foundation’s Club Program and other initiatives, the tournament seeks to foster cross-game competition and fan engagement, offering a new scale of global sports celebration in gaming.
Global Recognition and Regional Highlights
The announcement was accompanied by social media campaigns showcasing each game’s unique intellectual property and the regions critical to their esports success. These include:
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in Shanghai, China
From Shanghai to Riyadh. The journey to #EsportsWorldCup 2024 has begun.#MLBBEsports x #EWC
Your favorite teams are ready. Show your excitement by using emojis in the comments. 🔥🤯👊 pic.twitter.com/65n5639xu2
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) January 26, 2024
Dota 2 in Seattle, Washington, USA
Dota 2 fans, get ready to be swept off your feet 🌪️
The #RiyadhMasters is joining the #EsportsWorldCup, and @DOTA2 is about to take the #EWC by storm!
Which teams will be chasing glory in the biggest tournament esports has ever seen? pic.twitter.com/Kjt2rfX6MU
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) February 5, 2024
StarCraft II in Seoul, South Korea
Battlecruiser Operational!
The journey to the #EsportsWorldCup has already begun! Whether you’re in Seoul, Katowice, or anywhere else in the world – show the strength of the global #SC2 & RTS communities in the comments below! 💪💪 pic.twitter.com/7oppZbadTM
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) February 12, 2024
Counter-Strike 2 in Cologne, Germany
The journey to Riyadh begins in Cologne as #CS2 is making its way to the #EsportsWorldCup 2024! ✈
Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow for more updates 👀 #EWC pic.twitter.com/5N08V7mu8L
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) February 3, 2024
Honor of Kings in Shenzhen, China
The journey to Riyadh begins in Cologne as #CS2 is making its way to the #EsportsWorldCup 2024! ✈
Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow for more updates 👀 #EWC pic.twitter.com/5N08V7mu8L
— Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) February 3, 2024
These campaigns highlight the global rise of esports and the diverse backgrounds of the participating titles, setting the stage for a landmark event in the summer of 2024.
