Game News

China's AG.AL win the Esports World Cup in Paris, its first edition held outside Saudi Arabia

China-based AG.AL won the Esports World Cup Club Championship and its $7 million prize when the seven-week tournament ended in Paris on 23 August, Euronews reported. It was the event's first edition outside Saudi Arabia, after a short-notice move from Riyadh, and French President Emmanuel Macron presented the award at the closing ceremony.

Abu Dhabi's The National said AG.AL finished with 5,300 points. Saudi side Team Falcons, who led with 4,600 points before the final Trackmania play-offs, came second, took $5 million and missed a third straight title. French player Gwendal “Gwen” Duparc won the Trackmania event to settle it. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Cristiano Ronaldo and FIFA president Gianni Infantino also attended, the paper said.

“Fans should view this as both a response to the current situation and a glimpse into the future.” — Mike McCabe, Esports Foundation, via The National

An AFP report carried by the Kuwait Times said the closing ceremony was held at the Grand Palais, that organisers had moved the event in May “because of the ongoing Middle East war”, and that next year's edition is planned for Riyadh.

How each outlet framed it

• Euronews — a European first, with Macron handing over the trophy.
• The National — the points race and the organisers' view that the event “could travel”.
• AFP (Kuwait Times) — a Chinese team beating the Saudi favourites, and the politics around the crown prince's visit to France.

Where the numbers differ: The National put the total prize pool at over $75 million; AFP said over $70 million.