There’s something special about finales. Whether it’s the last episode of a series you’ve been binge-watching or the final whistle of a long season, endings carry a mix of excitement and bittersweet energy. That’s exactly what Riyadh felt like on the last night of the Esports World Cup. After more than a month of heated battles and high-stakes matches, the city decided to close things out in a way that wasn’t just about gaming it was about putting on a show no one would forget.
The evening started off with a spark of anticipation. Boulevard City was buzzing before the official kick-off at 8 PM. Fans poured in, some wearing jerseys of their favorite teams, others just soaking in the atmosphere. By 8:30, the spotlight was on the champions, receiving their awards to thunderous applause. But the real jaw-dropper came at 8:45, when the sky lit up with a drone show thousands of tiny lights dancing in perfect sync. Just as the crowd thought it couldn’t get any better, fireworks erupted at 9:05, filling the skyline with color. And the best part? It was all free, which meant families, groups of friends, and casual fans got to share the magic together.
It all kicked off back on July 7, with some of the best esports players in the world landing in Riyadh. Over the weeks, the city transformed into a kind of gaming capital arenas packed with cheering fans, matches streamed to millions, and players battling for glory. Some defended their titles with confidence, while a few newcomers pulled off the kind of upsets that will be remembered for years. By the time the finals wrapped up, everyone agreed this edition wasn’t just big it was historic. The closing night wasn’t just a party; it felt like the rightful exclamation point at the end of a month-long story.
Yes and that’s what gave the evening a human touch. At 9:30, the doors opened for fans to meet their favorite players face-to-face. Imagine following someone’s gaming journey online for years, and then suddenly you’re standing next to them, snapping a photo. For a lot of young fans, it was a dream come true. The meet-and-greet reminded everyone that behind the keyboards and headsets are people who inspire millions with their skill, grit, and personality.
Honestly, it feels like just the beginning. The success of this year’s tournament set the bar high smooth organization, packed crowds, and international recognition. Fans are already buzzing about what next year might bring. Will it be bigger? Probably. Will more global names join in? Almost certainly. What’s clear is that Riyadh isn’t just hosting events; it’s carving out a spot on the global esports map. And for anyone who was lucky enough to be there on closing night, it was obvious: the city didn’t just host a tournament, it created a memory.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.