Riyadh: The second edition of the 2025 Esports World Cup, currently underway at Boulevard City in Riyadh, features the debut of three major titles on the competitive stage: Chess, Valorant, and Fatal Fury. Their inclusion highlights Saudi Arabia's rising status as a global esports hub and its ongoing efforts to expand opportunities for players around the world.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Chess is one of the world's most popular games, with more than 600 million players globally. Its inclusion in the cup reflects its strong presence in the modern competitive scene.
Fatal Fury, a favourite among fighting game enthusiasts, makes a surprise return after 26 years with the launch of its seventh instalment. This marks the franchise's first venture into the esports arena, sparking excitement among long-time fans, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Rounding out the trio is Valorant, a dominant game in the tactical shooter genre. With more than 25 million monthly players and close to seven million daily active users, Valorant has firmly established itself as one of the top competitive titles in the world.