Neymar Jr., the renowned Al Hilal and Brazil forward, recently participated in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh and praised the event as a “great opportunity” for Saudi Arabia and the global community. The event took place at the SEF Arena, where Neymar led ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a sold-out competition. Neymar, who has been with Al Hilal since 2023, is not only a football icon but also a passionate gamer. He emphasized the significance of the Esports World Cup in showcasing Saudi Arabia’s culture and hospitality to the world, stating that it allows people to see what the country is really like.
During the competition, Neymar captained his team in exciting matches against Mossad Al Dossary’s Team Falcons. The competition included games such as Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and TEKKEN 8, with Neymar’s squad emerging victorious with a 2-1 win. Neymar praised the SEF Arena and the atmosphere it fosters, describing it as incredible and expressing admiration for the positive vibe and fantastic atmosphere in Saudi Arabia. He believes that Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the gaming and esports world, positioning itself as a pioneer in the industry.
Gaming is not just a pastime for Neymar; it’s a deep-seated passion. As a part-owner of FURIA Esports, a leading Brazilian esports organization competing in the Esports World Cup, Neymar is excited about the future of esports and the opportunities it presents for young athletes. He believes that esports has a promising future and provides young people with a chance to turn their passion into a career. Neymar highlighted his personal connection to gaming, expressing how integral it has become in his life and career, both as a way to relax and connect with friends and a significant part of his downtime outside of football.
The Esports World Cup in Riyadh is entering its final week at Boulevard Riyadh City, with competitions in TEKKEN 8, PUBG Battlegrounds, ESL, and Rocket League. The grand finale is set for Sunday, featuring the final matches of the PUBG Battlegrounds and other tournaments, culminating in an epic Closing Ceremony to mark the end of the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Neymar’s participation in the event and his endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the esports industry have generated excitement and interest in the future of gaming in the region.
Overall, Neymar’s presence and support for the Esports World Cup in Riyadh have brought attention to the growing esports industry in Saudi Arabia and highlighted the country’s potential as a major player in the global gaming community. His passion for gaming, coupled with his success in football, has inspired young athletes to pursue their dreams in the esports world. The Esports World Cup has provided a platform for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s culture and hospitality, while also creating opportunities for the next generation of gamers to excel in the industry. As the event nears its conclusion, the legacy of Neymar’s involvement and the success of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh will continue to shape the future of esports in the region and beyond.