The Esports World Cup Foundation and Call of Duty League announced Friday a three year partnership to ensure that Call of Duty Esports will be part of its annual, eight-week summer competition.
Financial terms of this multi-year between Call of Duty League owner Activision Blizzard (a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft) and the foundation backed by the Saudi Arabian-owned Public Investment Fund were not disclosed.
Under the terms of this new deal Call of Duty League will extend its competitive calendar for 2025 into August with an officially sanctioned event at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Warzone is also included as part of the deal.
“The Call of Duty League is thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup to support the continued growth of competitive Call of Duty,” said Daniel Tsay, GM, Call of Duty Esports. “Our pro players and affiliated orgs had a great time competing during last year’s EWC tournament and showcased how fun and intense pro-am style competition can be. This partnership gives our players, community and fans even more opportunities to enjoy premium competitive Call of Duty for years to come.”
The Esports World Cup Foundation noted its its announcement that this partnership officially kicks off on Dec. 6 at the start of Call of Duty League’s 6th season.
The Esports World Cup Foundation describes itself as a non-profit that is funded by a sports grant from the Saudi Government’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund. The competition is facilitated through its close working relationships and ties to government-owned entities such as the Saudi Esports Federation, Savvy Games Group, and its subsidiary ESL FACEIT Group (which facilitated many aspects of the eight-week event last year).
ESL FACEIT Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Savvy Games Group—which in turn is owned by the PIF and led by Chairman of the board and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler HRH Crown Prince MBS. EFG is home to tournament organizer ESL, Esports Engine, competition platform FACEIT, and esports and gaming festival company DreamHack.