Viewership at the eSports World Cup Shows Gaming is Growing in the Middle East
Teresa Hoy 
The lucrative eSports World Cup (EWC) has quickly become one of the most anticipated events in the global gaming industry.
Viewership has boomed this year, with several of the EWC tournaments posting record numbers. Read on as we take a closer look.
Viewership Numbers Tell the Story
he showdown between the Saudi Arabian Team Falcons and Virtus.pro in Teamfight Tactics hit 60,892 peak viewers, almost doubling the top figure from last year.
The 2025 EWC pulled in 130 percent more viewers on average than the inaugural edition. Interest in professional gaming is growing at a remarkable rate.
One of the most noteworthy trends from the data was the rise of Arabic-language viewers. Compared to last year, it spiked by 935%.
Meanwhile, peak concurrent viewers increased by 2,322% due to the presence of Saudi gaming outfits such as Team Falcons and Twisted Minds.
The Tekken championship was also a success, becoming the fighting game’s most-watched tournament ever with 1.35 million hours of watch time, which peaked at almost 90,000 live viewers.
Vehicular soccer game Rocket League also recorded 230,000 peak viewers, outperforming at least one of its major international showcases as the EWC continues to deliver jaw-dropping numbers.
Gaming as a Regional Soft Power
Gaming plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy and the eSports World Cup has become a potent geopolitical tool.
Hosting showpieces such as the EWC and the upcoming eSports Olympic Games will establish the Kingdom as a centre for digital entertainment.
It will also help the country’s bid to diversify its economy after decades of reliance on hydrocarbons. The Kingdom has been exploring new economic revenue streams, and gaming is a viable option.
Although many people initially viewed the Middle East as a consumer market for gaming products produced overseas, the reality has been somewhat different.
The Kingdom is leading an ambitious charge to become a dominant powerhouse in the international ecosystem over the next few years.
Betting Creeps into the Conversation
Most of the top sportsbooks allowed punters to wager on the eSports World Cup across Counter-Strike, TFT, Tekken, Rocket League and other games.
Betting on gaming is massive in other jurisdictions worldwide, and it has steadily been gaining traction in the Middle East despite regulatory challenges.
Betting is attractive for all parties as it garners more profits for bookmakers, which in turn seep back into eSports as sponsorship revenue.
However, the Middle East is an interesting paradox. While most nations are open to the concept of eSports, they remain resistant to gambling. That point is hammered home in Kuwait.
While Arab players can fuel their passion at an online casino in Kuwait or wager on sports events, they must do so on platforms licensed by authorities in other jurisdictions.
However, with the region pouring endless financial resources into sports and eSports, the Kuwait government may need to reassess its stance on gambling in the near future.
The success of tournaments such as the eSports World Cup, and the gambling revenues they generate, will add to the pressure on Kuwaiti policymakers.
Change is on the Cards in the Middle East
Although there are social connotations to consider with traditional sports betting and online casinos, eSports betting is a new digital lifestyle.
Younger bettors do not see it as wagering. To this populace, buying game gadgets, investing in fantasy teams and wagering on tournaments are part of their online identity.
Regulating eSports betting will help Middle Eastern nations capture the crucial tax revenue flowing offshore and redirect it into state coffers.
Creating a formal framework for gambling ensures modern responsible gaming laws protect punters and force operators to adhere to strict guidelines.
Some Arab countries are abandoning their old ways as they look to become relevant on the global scene, and gambling may be one hurdle they need to jump.
