Opening the Event in Paris
Tonight, the World eSports Cup final was held at Paris' Accor Arena after tickets sold out rapidly, prompting organizers to move the event from a smaller hall to the city's largest venue. The event was attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the king’s heir and Prime Minister, and French President Emmanuel Macron, during the opening of the Crown Prince’s official visit to France.
Competing Teams
In the final, "Team Spirit" from Counter‑Strike 2 faced "FUT eSports" in a tense match. The game took place at 1:30 pm Paris time (2:30 pm Saudi time).
A Unique Experience
The tournament began in Riyadh in 2024 as part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy for the gaming and eSports sector, and it is the largest event of its kind worldwide. Moving it to Paris marks a step toward exporting a global Saudi product.
Global Club Reactions
French club "Vitale" tweeted: "Ready to lift another trophy at Accor Arena," while "Fanitic" described the event as the "crazy arena".
Festival on the Champs‑Élysées
Before the night’s event, a celebratory festival was held on the Champs‑Élysées, where gaming fans mingled with Paris’s tourist heart, described by French media as unprecedented for an eSports event in the capital.
Event Significance
The event demonstrates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s successful bet on the gaming sector and reflects a partnership between Saudi Arabia and France that extends beyond sport into politics and culture, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ability to host global events and export its products to other capitals.
