The eSports World Cup in Saudi Arabia kicked off with a thrilling start, especially for League of Legends. The tournament drew over a million peak viewers, making it an electrifying event. Heavyweights like T1, Bilibili Gaming, Gen.G, and Team Liquid battled it out, with T1 emerging victorious against China’s Top eSports.
Why League of Legends Soared
The League of Legends tournament’s success is no surprise. With 1.11 million peak viewers and an average of 565,000 viewers over 22 hours, it became the third most-watched League event of 2024. The presence of major international teams undoubtedly boosted its appeal.
T1: The Fan Favorite
T1 didn’t just win the tournament; they also won viewers’ hearts, amassing 8.8 million hours watched. This made them the most-watched team in the series, underscoring their popularity and skill.
Warzone Struggles to Compete
In contrast, the Call of Duty: Warzone tournament struggled to capture the same level of attention. Peaking at just 135,000 viewers, it became the second most-watched Warzone event of the year but still fell short compared to League of Legends.
Team Falcons’ Triumph
Despite lower viewership, the Warzone tournament had its moments. The underdog, Team Falcons, clinched victory with a stellar performance across eight matches, proving that local talent can indeed shine on the international stage.
Short but Sweet: Event Duration
Both tournaments wrapped up within the first week of the eSports World Cup, setting a brisk pace for the event. Other tournaments, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2, also started in this action-packed opening week.
Controversy and Criticism
The eSports World Cup, funded by the Saudi Arabian government, hasn’t escaped criticism. Despite its ambitious scope and star-studded lineups, the country’s human rights record has cast a shadow over the event.
Looking Ahead
The eSports World Cup will continue throughout July and August, promising more thrilling matchups and intriguing storylines. The question of whether other games can match League of Legends’ success is one that many are eager to see answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eSports World Cup?
The EWC is an international eSports tournament held in Saudi Arabia. It features top teams from around the world competing in various popular video games.
How many tournaments are part of the eSports World Cup?
The EWC features multiple tournaments across games, including League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Dota. Each game has its own dedicated tournament within the event.
How long does the eSports World Cup last?
The EWC spans over July and August, with tournaments starting and concluding throughout this period. Each game’s tournament typically runs for a few days or weeks, depending on the format and number of participating teams.
Who organizes the eSports World Cup?
The EWC is assembled by the EWC Foundation, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian government. The foundation aims to promote eSports on a global scale through this prestigious tournament.
How can I watch the eSports World Cup?
Viewers can watch the EWC matches through various streaming platforms and official eSports channels. Detailed broadcasting schedules and streaming links are typically available on the official eSports World Cup website and social media channels.
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