Neymar Jr has become the latest global superstar to endorse the Esports World Cup in Riyadh – hailing the event as “a great opportunity” for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

 

The Al Hilal and Brazil forward discussed the Esports World Cup’s influence and impact during a highly anticipated visit on Tuesday as he captained ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special cross-competition event at Boulevard Riyadh City. 

 

Neymar, who joined the Saudi Pro League champions in 2023 and is a lifelong gaming fan, said the Esports World Cup has showcased the Kingdom’s culture and hospitality to the wider international community. 

 

He said: “This is a great opportunity for the country, especially in terms of the visibility it has generated. It allows people to see what Saudi Arabia is really like. I’ve learned a lot of positive things since coming here. It’s a fantastic country, with positive and happy people, and I hope this event this the first of many in the years ahead because it has opened new doors for the world to experience Saudi Arabia.”

 

Tuesday saw the Brazilian all-time top scorer lead ‘Team Neymar Jr’ against a side captained by Mossad Al Dossary, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s EWC Club Championship winners, Team Falcons. The match – which saw the two face off in Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and TEKKEN 8 – ended with a 2-1 win for Neymar and his teammates on the night. 

 

The football icon reserved special praise for the capacity crowd inside the SEF Arena. Neymar continued: “The SEF Arena is incredible – I love it. I’ve played here a bit, and it’s surreal to see what they’ve accomplished in just a few months by building it. I love the vibe here, everyone I’ve met is so nice and the atmosphere is fantastic. This shows that Saudi Arabia is doing something truly amazing in the gaming and esports world. The Kingdom has become a pioneer for the industry while opening up opportunities across for the region and whole world to be a part of.”

 

As part-owner of FURIA Esports, the Brazilian esports organization competing at EWC, Neymar is excited to see how the industry develops in the years ahead, especially for up-and-coming athletes with dreams of reaching the top. 

 

He said: “Esports undoubtedly has a promising future – it’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved and we’re now seeing young people with an opportunity to turn their passion into a career. I'm optimistic about the industry's growth and the potential it holds for the next generation.”

 

The Esports World Cup’s eigth and final week began on Wednesday at Boulevard Riyadh City with TEKKEN 8 and PUBG Battlegrounds action. ESL and Rocket League begin on Thursday. The PUBG Battlegrounds final is on Saturday, with the other three tournaments’ grand finals taking place on Sunday – where the Closing Ceremony will draw the inaugural Esports World Cup to a breathtaking finale. - TradeArabia News Service