The Inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh has been nothing short of exhilarating. We’ve witnessed celebrities come from far and wide to grace the occasion. This week, fans got another such moment as Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s and Portuguese soccer superstar, turned up at the Esports World Cup. 

The soccer star was a brilliant surprise for fans at the tournament, helping boost viewership and publicity. Jota has been known to be a hardcore gamer, and his skill has been evident in past professional soccer gaming events.

He was ranked World No.1 in FIFA 21’s Champions Leaderboard and also won an invitational FIFA series organized by the Premier League during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Jota is a regular streamer on Twitch and an investor in the esports industry. 

Jota didn’t just turn up for the publicity alone. He managed to watch all of the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters and Counter-Strike action before posing for a few paparazzi photos.

During the tournament, Jota said, “Being here at the inaugural Esports World Cup is a truly amazing experience. The organization and scale behind this event are truly impressive, even more than I anticipated. I’ve always believed in the potential of esports. Even before starting my own team, and EWC is proof that this scene is evolving rapidly. This level of investment and infrastructure is exactly what esports needs to grow and reach a wider audience. I’m excited to see how EWC continues to evolve and push the boundaries of competitive gaming.”

Jota was recently in football action at the just-concluded Euros, where his team crashed out in the Quarter-finals. He’ll be hoping to put that disappointment behind as Liverpool gear up for the new footballing season kicking off in August.

Meanwhile, the Esports World Cup continues to rage on. Several competitors are currently battling it out for a share of the $60 million prize pool. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on the Esports World Cup and esports in general.