China-based team AG.AL have been crowned surprise winners of the Esports World Cup (EWC) after seven weeks of competition in Paris.
The team claimed the tournament trophy and $7m (£5.1m) top prize at a ceremony attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino.
Bosses moved the contest, which was due to be held in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, to France at the last minute due to safety concerns over the conflict between the US and Iran in the Middle East.
The event has attracted criticism from some fans due to Saudi Arabia's ongoing involvement, but organisers the Esports Foundation said it had attracted more viewers this year.
Although it is branded as a World Cup, players in the EWC don't compete for their countries but as individuals or in a team, fighting it out across popular video games such as Call of Duty and League of Legends.
AG.AL clinched victory on the final weekend thanks to French player Gwendal "Gwen" Duparc, whose win on racing game Trackmania put them ahead of reigning champions the Saudi Arabia-based Team Falcons.
Other highlights of the event included 15-year-old Chilean player Jaime "Craime" Bustos winning the Street Fighter 6 tournament to become the youngest-ever EWC champion.
Rocket League pro Samy "dralii" Hajji won a third consecutive EWC victory, while chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen claimed a second title.
The overall winners' trophy was presented by Macron at the EWC closing ceremony after it was brought on to the stage by footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Saudi ruler Bin Salman and Fifa President Infantino watched on as AG.AL's bosses collected the prize.
Though some players, commentators and fans have boycotted the EWC because of Saudi Arabia's involvement, it still proves popular.
Organisers say the event attracts 2,000 players from 100 countries, with some of the world's top esports stars among them.
They claimed this year's EWC reached 850 million viewers across the tournament, with 175,000 tickets sold.
Teams have previously told BBC Newsbeat they "can't afford to ignore" the contest and a potential share of its $75m (£50m) prize pot, as funding for esports is on the decline.
The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation. It was created with the support of the Saudi government, and the EWC launched with an announcement from Bin Salman.
Investing in esports has been a part of the Kingdom's push to become a major player in global gaming - a strategy termed "pixelwashing" by website gamedeveloper.com.
The country also recently acquired video game giant Electronic Arts in a record-breaking buyout.
Critics claim it's an attempt to improve the country's international reputation and distract from complaints about its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws.
Saudi Arabia has faced similar accusations of "sportswashing" due to its investments in football, golf and other sports - which it has spent years denying.
The Esports Foundation has insisted the EWC plans to return to Riyadh next year.
That's despite the recent announcement that the first Esports Nations Cup, due to be held in Riyadh this year, has been delayed until 2027.
Fans and commentators who have previously boycotted the EWC had urged others to continue doing so this year, despite the change of venue.
The Esports Foundation has always insisted everyone is welcome at their events, including tournaments hosted in Saudi Arabia.
Source: BBC
– Agencies
