Esports World Cup: AG.AL wins tournament in surprise victory

Though some players, commentators and fans have boycotted the EWC because of Saudi Arabia’s involvement, it still proves popular.

Organisers say the event attracts 2,000 players from 100 countries, with some of the world’s top esports stars among them.

They claimed this year’s EWC reached 850 million viewers across the tournament, with 175,000 tickets sold.

Teams have previously told BBC Newsbeat they “can’t afford to ignore” the contest and a potential share of its $75m (£50m) prize pot, as funding for esports is on the decline.

The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation. It was created with the support of the Saudi government, and the EWC launched with an announcement from Bin Salman.

Investing in esports has been a part of the Kingdom’s push to become a major player in global gaming – a strategy termed “pixelwashing” by website gamedeveloper.com, external.

The country also recently acquired video game giant Electronic Arts in a record-breaking buyout.

Critics claim it’s an attempt to improve the country’s international reputation and distract from complaints about its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws.

Saudi Arabia has faced similar accusations of “sportswashing” due to its investments in football, golf and other sports – which it has spent years denying.