The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the world-renowned football star, Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Global Ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025), taking place in Riyadh Boulevard City from July 7 to August 24.
The move marks a major stride for the EWC, the world’s largest event for gaming and Esports, underscoring its status as a global platform that fosters talent and promotes a culture of innovation and excellence, according to SPA.
As a global ambassador, Ronaldo will lead the EWC’s global campaign throughout the event while promoting its creative theme, Rise Above. Over 7 weeks, Ronaldo will participate in key activities and appears as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of 25 major tournaments featured in EWC 2025.
Given Ronaldo’s global fan base, he is expected to draw new audiences to the Esports world, introducing them to some of the most prominent professional players in the sector. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most influential athletes in the world and a five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
On this occasion, Ronaldo said: “Sport is always evolving – and Esports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent and intensity I have been able to see in Esports athletes are no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch.”
“I’m proud to join the Esports World Cup as Global Ambassador – standing with Esports athletes who rise above and inspire the next generation,” Ronaldo added.
The EWC 2025 will attract over 2,000 professional gamers and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a total prize money exceeding $70 million.
The event will solidify Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting major global events and establish its position as at the forefront of the gaming and Esports industry.
