Cristiano Ronaldo Named Global Ambassador for Esports World Cup 2025

By Evolution Staff • August 30, 2025

In a headline-making crossover between real-world sports and digital competition, Cristiano Ronaldo has joined the Esports World Cup 2025 as its official global ambassador. The move underscores the increasing convergence of athletic fame and gaming culture—and Saudi Arabia’s strategic bet on esports as a pillar of its soft power strategy.

What Is the Esports World Cup?

Launched in 2024 and backed by the Saudi Esports Federation, the Esports World Cup is now the largest competitive gaming event globally, both in terms of prize money and game diversity.

EWC 2025 Highlights:

• Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  
• Dates: July 8 – August 24, 2025
  
• Prize Pool: $70 million+
  
• Games Featured: 25 titles, including Valorant, Dota 2, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, FIFA, Fortnite, Tekken 8, and more
  
• Teams Participating: 1,200+ players from 50+ countries
  
• Special Format: Multi-week, Olympics-style medal tally for orgs and nations
  

(Source: Wikipedia – Esports World Cup)

Why Ronaldo?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s global appeal—spanning football, fashion, wellness, and now gaming—makes him a natural brand ambassador for EWC’s global ambitions.

“Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. I’m proud to be part of something that unites people across generations and cultures,” Ronaldo said in a statement released by the event organizers.
(Source: IndiaTimes)

The announcement comes at a time when celebrities and athletes are increasingly aligning with digital gaming platforms, from ownership stakes in esports orgs to collaborations with game publishers.

Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Pivot

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes $38 billion in state-backed investment to make Riyadh a global gaming hub. The Esports World Cup is the crown jewel in that vision—hosted at the Qiddiya Gaming and Esports District, currently under rapid development.

Ronaldo, who already plays for Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, has become a central figure in the country’s wider sports and entertainment diplomacy.

The Bigger Picture: Sports + Esports Convergence

With a record number of traditional athletes investing in or endorsing esports, the lines between physical and digital competition are blurring:

• David Beckham co-owns Guild Esports
  
• Shaquille O’Neal and Drake back 100 Thieves
  
• Lionel Messi has partnered with Konami and PUBG Mobile
  
• And now, Cristiano Ronaldo joins EWC
  

This is more than a sponsorship—it’s a symbol of esports entering the cultural mainstream, backed by the world’s biggest names.

Final Thoughts

Cristiano Ronaldo’s ambassador role puts a global spotlight on EWC 2025—and signals that esports is no longer a niche. It’s a billion-dollar entertainment frontier with the world’s best athletes—and now icons—on its team.

Sources:

• IndiaTimes – Cristiano Ronaldo Joins Esports World Cup 2025
  
• Wikipedia – Esports World Cup
  
• Esports World Cup Foundation – Official Statement
  
• Saudi Esports Federation