Cristiano Ronaldo joins Esports World Cup as Global Ambassador

Cristiano Ronaldo will become the global ambassador for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), marking his entrance into the field of esports.

Cristiano Ronaldo becomes Ambassador for the Esports World Cup

The announcement came directly from Ronaldo himself on June 13 through his social media channels: “I’m proud to join the Esports World Cup as Global Ambassador – standing with esports athletes who rise above and inspire the next generation,” the tweet reads on X. As Global Ambassador, Ronaldo will be featured across EWC’s global campaign leading up to and throughout the competition.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is making an important crossover with the world of competitive gaming, as both sports and esports industries have seen rising investments from Saudi Arabia as part of their Vision 2030, which consists of developing increased economic, social, and cultural diversification. With one of the greatest social media followings in the football and traditional sports field, Ronaldo is expected to bring the tournament to new audiences and foster the new generation of competitive gaming. Some critics, however, have also seen Saudi Arabia’s investments as a way to ‘sportswash’.

“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 is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. “I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation,” stated Ronaldo.

The Esports World Cup is gearing up for the kickoff in July

The Esports World Cup, hosted in Riyadh and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will take place during the summer in the months of July and August. Featuring a combined $70 million prizepool, the highest prize win of any esports event, the EWC will see 25 competitions across 24 game titles, with over 200 teams battling for glory. Additionally, esports organizations will be competing for their own prize money through the Esports World Cup Club Championship, which will see the top team with the most amount of club points take home $7 million.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is now the global ambassador for the Esports World Cup. Having witnessed Cristiano’s rise parallel to the growth of esports has been an unreal journey which culminates today,” said the CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, Ralf Reichert. “There are great athletes, and then there are those who redefine greatness itself. Cristiano Ronaldo is that. As the biggest sports icon on the planet, his journey has been about excellence, relentless ambition, and unmatched consistency – the values we strive for in EWC. Having Cristiano champion our mission elevates esports in an extraordinary way. His global influence massively increases the visibility and profile of esports athletes. His involvement bridges generations, uniting millions of sports fans and esports enthusiasts worldwide. He embodies the leap forward we are after as we raise the global profile of competitive gaming. He embodies a major leap toward our vision of esports becoming the next global sport.”

The Esports World Cup 2025 will kick off later on July 8 with VALORANT, Rennsport, and Dota 2 tournaments. In the first week, the EWC will also host the competitions for MLBB, Apex Legends, and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.