Riyadh: Esports is no longer attracting only professional players to its competitive arenas, but is increasingly drawing names who have made their mark in different sports, expanding its appeal beyond gaming audiences to elite professional athletes. Among them is Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, who attended the 2026 Esports World Cup competitions in Paris, recalling his previous experience in Riyadh and confirming that his passion for esports extends beyond watching to personal participation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, in an exclusive interview during his visit to the tournament, Kyrgios confirmed his interest in esports, noting that he visited Riyadh last year during the previous edition of the Esports World Cup before returning to Paris this year to follow the current edition and learn more about the world of esports.

The tennis star revealed that despite being a professional tennis player, he plays several video games, including Call of Duty, Pok©mon, and League of Legends, reflecting his view that two sporting paths that differ in nature can coexist while sharing competition and passion.

He noted that the Esports World Cup in Paris provided an opportunity for athletes from different fields to meet, adding that he saw professional athletes from other sports attending the tournament and showing clear interest in esports. He considered this an indication that esports is gaining broader appeal beyond the traditional gaming community.

The presence of traditional sports stars at the Esports World Cup is particularly significant amid the tournament's rapid growth. The current edition brings together more than 2,000 players representing over 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing across 25 tournaments in 24 games for a total prize pool exceeding $75 million.