The 2024 eSports World Cup in Saudi Arabia was a monumental event, captivating millions of fans worldwide. Hosted in Riyadh, the eSports tournament featured over 2.9 million fans from around the world. The official venue in Riyadh spanned 34,452 square meters, with exciting activities, including musical concerts and spectacular drone shows.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, had already said previously the tournament would set a new standard in the industry, and it certainly delivered. With 24 titles on the lineup, some titles stood out for their performance and popularity. Among these, 3 games truly impressed the audience and left a lasting mark in the competition: Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and EA Sports FC 2024.
1. Counter-Strike 2
While Counter-Strike 2’s enhanced graphics are undeniably impressive, its strategic depth, intricate weapon economy, and emphasis on teamwork truly define its impact on the eSports landscape. The game’s debut at the 2024 Esports World Cup in Riyadh, featuring a $1,000,000 prize pool and the participation of top teams like NAVI and G2 Esports, cemented its status as a major player.
Counter-Strike 2 elevates the first-person shooter genre by easily blending strategic decision-making, resource management, and precise execution. Its weapon economy isn’t just any other feature; it’s an integral component of the gameplay experience. Players constantly face challenging financial choices that can significantly impact their team’s performance. Investing in powerful weapons can provide a short-term advantage, but overspending can leave a team vulnerable in later rounds.
2. EA Sports FC 2024
EA Sports FC 24 remains at the top of the virtual football world. Its realistic gameplay makes you feel like you’re on the pitch, and the improved graphics make everything look amazing. When you watch eSports tournaments, you see some of the best virtual football matches ever played.
During gameplay, players are incredibly skilled, showing off amazing tactics and strategies. To enjoy playing the game, one must have a PC with at least an Intel Core i5-6600k CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, and 8 GB RAM. The game also needs a minimum of 100 GB of free disk space. EA Sports FC 24 does a fantastic job of copying real football mechanics, which is why it’s so popular in competitive eSports.
The game developers make it possible for the game to be accessed on PlayStation 5, PCs, and Xbox Series X/S. This is why everyone, from casual players at home to professional gamers on big stages, loves playing EA Sports FC 24.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has become highly popular because it brought back classic gameplay while adding cool new features. One feature that makes Modern Warfare 3 popular is the Tac-Stance Movements which allows players to engage in better close-quarter combat while maintaining mobility.
Another feature is the Open Combat Missions, which allow players to choose their hideouts plus strategies. This mix of the familiar and the new was a huge success. Call of Duty has always been good at changing with the times, and Modern Warfare 3 is no different. But its popularity didn’t stop there—it’s even in casinos. You can find Call of Duty-themed slot machines, which is pretty impressive.
Bottom Line
When popular video games like Call of Duty appear in casinos, it proves how popular and important they are in our entertainment culture. To get people even more excited about video game-themed slots, some casinos offer bonuses like free spins on such games. This has worked well, and players always look forward to the best free spins casinos to enjoy extended gameplay.
By fusing elements of hit video game series like Call of Duty with the casino gaming format, these slots satisfy what many players want—thrilling gameplay with the potential to win money. Esports influence continues to be felt even in other industries beyond its niche. From a mere home activity to a world-recognized sport, esports has made remarkable progress and will continue to attract a bigger following.