The Esports World Cup Festival: A Gateway to Gaming Culture in Saudi Arabia
As the world of esports continues to grow, Saudi Arabia is making a bold statement by hosting one of the most ambitious gaming and culture events ever seen. Located at Boulevard Riyadh City, the Esports World Cup Festival spans over 50,000 square metres, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional competitive tournaments. This festival is designed to bring together gamers of all ages and backgrounds, creating a space where everyone can engage with the world of gaming in new and exciting ways.
A Journey Through Gaming History
The festival kicks off with a nostalgic journey through the decades, allowing visitors to reconnect with their favorite games from the past. The retro gaming zones are among the most popular areas, featuring vintage consoles such as the Atari and original Nintendo Entertainment System. These zones are filled with cassette tapes, retro televisions, and neon decor, creating a true throwback atmosphere.
In the 1990s Zone, visitors can play on functional Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and PlayStation One consoles. Themed displays highlight the evolution of gaming, while a wall of 1980s movie posters and classic arcade cabinets add to the immersive experience.
Active Play and Movement-Based Gaming
One of the most innovative aspects of the festival is its focus on physical engagement. The CycloBeat 3.0 installation features four exercise bikes connected to a rhythm-based gaming screen, blending fitness with fun. The Run Beat Challenge uses manual treadmills to simulate game-like races across dynamic environments.
The iWall, a motion-sensing screen, encourages full-body play through a selection of digital mini-games, requiring no controller. Meanwhile, Valo Climb and Valo Arena add augmented reality to the mix, offering unique experiences that blend physical activity with digital interaction.
Casual Competitions and Esports-Lite Experiences
For those looking to test their skills, the festival includes scaled-down versions of some of the world’s biggest esports titles. The Valorant Challenge Range allows visitors to sharpen their aim in a timed shootout, while League of Legends fans can engage in one-on-one duels or Aram mini matches.
Leaderboards track top scores, encouraging friendly competition, while fast turnarounds keep lines moving. The Valvoline SynPower Challenge is a light-hearted mobile racing mini-game, where players steer with tilt controls, avoid potholes, and drop virtual oil for speed boosts – a hit with families.
Content Creators and Community Interaction
At the heart of the festival is the Content Creator Park, where fans can watch their favorite streamers compete live in games such as Fortnite Zero Build, EA Sports FC 25, Rocket League, and Codenames. Many creators have traveled from around the world to take part, with interactive meet-and-greets adding to the excitement.
Nearby, the Publisher Park and Riot Games Store offer themed merchandise, exclusive collectibles, and a Valorant-inspired milkshake bar. Mini games and Teamfight Tactics challenges round out the area.
Digital Motorsport and Car Culture
Petrolheads will enjoy Jameel Motorsport Park, where they can customize replica car parts – such as spoilers and mirrors – for a daily design competition. Winning entries are displayed throughout the venue.
The Aramco Sim Arena brings Formula One action to Riyadh, with a life-size Aston Martin F1 show car and 20 high-end motion simulators that offer an intense, realistic driving experience. The simulators, equipped with full-motion support and immersive sound, are a festival highlight.
Puzzle Solving and Immersive Storytelling
For those seeking a mental challenge, HMG Maze Challenge offers a labyrinth of eight rooms, each with its own timed puzzle. Visitors compete in groups to escape the fastest, blending social interaction with cognitive tests.
Meanwhile, Eva, a digital storytelling installation, provides a more reflective experience. Exploring themes of artificial intelligence, memory, and choice, the exhibit draws visitors into an emotional journey told through an interactive conversation with a sentient machine – all brought to life with atmospheric audio-visual design.
Culture, Performance, and Heritage
In Japan Park, hosted by anime streaming service Crunchyroll, visitors can witness a traditional Ainu sword dance by Daiki Hiramura. Performed on select nights, the dance – inspired by the anime Golden Kamuy – celebrates indigenous Japanese storytelling and tradition.
The Aramco History Wall offers a quieter moment, showcasing the company’s journey through large-scale installations and archival exhibits that highlight the intersection of technology, innovation, and cultural heritage.
Watch Parties and Esports Documentaries
At the Watch Party Pavilion, fans can gather to watch esports matches live on large screens, with special appearances by streamers including Tyler1, Mixwell, TimTheTatman, and Scump.
The newly released docuseries This Machine, filmed on-site during the tournament, is also screening at the venue. Streaming on Amazon Prime, the series provides a rare look into the personal stories of professional players – their challenges, sacrifices, and the support networks that power them.
Entry, Food, and Services
Festival access is available to anyone with a valid Esports World Cup weekly pass or individual Esports stage tickets. The all-access pass offers fast-track privileges and a merchandise bundle.
Food stalls and cafes are spread throughout the grounds, offering both Saudi and international cuisine. Medical facilities, prayer rooms, rest zones, and accessible entrances ensure that all visitors are well accommodated.
The Esports World Cup and its accompanying festival run until August 24 at Boulevard Riyadh City.
