$1 million prize pool at Saudi Gamers8 event for ESL R1 grid

The esports event returns for 2023, after a debut last year, in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. For the first time, competitive sim racing will be represented, alongside the likes of Rocket League, Rainbow Six and Fortnite.

The ESL R1 grid, itself a new championship this season using the unreleased Rennsport simulation, is set to be present, using an in-person LAN set-up analogous to last week’s spring major in Munich.

The structure of the one-off tournament, which is not part of the ESL season, is yet to be publically revealed. Teams and drivers for the existing championship are expected to make up the line-up, although the entry list is also not public at this stage.

Of note, it takes place between 27th and 30th July, which is directly over the Formula E: Accelerate competition in London. Traxion.GG believes that some drivers now have clashing commitments, and are set to select Gamers8.

The total prize pool across all esports activities for the event is currently set at a staggering $45,000,000.