The Esports World Cup Foundation has shared that it hosted a visit from Britain’s Prince William for an esports event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
According to a release, the visit focused on discussing esports as a global sport, alongside its impact on youth development, education, careers, and community participation.
The visit saw The Prince of Wales speak with members of the organisation, in addition to watching esports matches unfold.
In a post on LinkedIn Mike McCabe,COO and Deputy CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “We’re grateful to HRH The Prince of Wales and the Kensington Palace team for giving us the platform to showcase the passion for esports present in Saudi Arabia and around the world.”
During his visit, The Prince of Wales watched a VALORANT women’s showmatch between esports organisations Team Falcons and Twisted Minds.
Additionally, Prince William also partook in a Rocket League match, playing against the Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan.
In the release, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan stated: “It was a pleasure to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to SEF Arena and share how esports in Saudi Arabia has grown into a truly global sport and a platform for youth development.”
The reveal of the Prince of Wales’ visit comes as the Esports World Cup Foundation prepares for the 2026 Esports World Cup, starting on July 6th, and the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which begins on November 2nd, 2026.
The Esports World Cup
Esports World Cup Foundation is a non-profit organisation that hosts the annual Esports World Cup competition as well as the bi-annual Esports Nations Cup. The Esports World Cup is provided with direct funding by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund as the event’s host nation.
Since the Esports World Cup’s debut in 2024, the competition has become a divisive topic in the online community. Last year, GeoGuessr withdrew from the tournament following backlash from its community. This included the creators of ‘all major world maps’ making the levels unplayable in protest. On the other hand, the StarCraft II community recently voiced its disappointment after the title was omitted from the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Scrutiny online is largely focused on Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which has been criticised due to its stance on the LGBTQ+ community and Women’s rights.
