Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met French President Emmanuel Macron at the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Paris, sealing a multi‑billion‑dollar theme‑park deal. The visit underscores esports as a new diplomatic bridge between Riyadh and Paris.

  • Mohammed bin Salman attended the Paris Esports World Cup closing ceremony
  • Saudi‑France agreement on €6 billion themed parks announced
  • Esports and pop‑culture are becoming key tools of diplomatic outreach

Event Highlights

The closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup, held in Paris from October 15‑17, featured the Saudi Crown Prince alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders exchanged greetings and discussed expanding cultural and economic ties.

Theme‑Park Deal

During the ceremony, Saudi Arabia and France disclosed a joint investment worth €6 billion (approximately $7 billion) for two major theme‑park projects, spotlighting the “Dragon Ball Z” franchise. The pact marks a significant escalation in entertainment‑tourism collaboration.

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Saudi Investment in Esports – A Brief History

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has poured billions into esports, sponsoring global tournaments and launching domestic leagues. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman first appeared at a major esports event in 2021, signaling the kingdom’s intent to diversify its economy.

Global Context

Esports has evolved from a niche sport into a multi‑billion‑dollar industry influencing geopolitics. Saudi Arabia’s active participation demonstrates a strategic shift away from oil‑centric revenues toward digital and entertainment sectors.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such high‑profile diplomatic engagements around esports signal a shift where soft power is exercised through digital culture, potentially reshaping future Saudi‑European partnerships.

"Esports is now an indispensable tool of international diplomacy," says Dr. Anjali Singh, professor of International Relations.
Did You Know?: Paris will become the first European city to host Saudi‑funded $7 billion theme‑park projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much has Saudi Arabia invested in esports?
A: By 2023, Saudi investments in esports exceeded $5 billion.

Q2: Where will the new theme parks be located?
A: Both parks are slated for large entertainment zones on the outskirts of Paris.