Humanoid robots fight it out in Riyadh
Sponsored by Hero Esports, the brainchild of Chinese billionaire Dino Ying, the event was the first of its kind outside China.
On a typical Wednesday night in Riyadh, a scene reminiscent of Times Square combined with a seaside amusement park unfolded at Riyadh Boulevard. Two humanoid robots, painted in blue and yellow, squared off against each other in a futuristic battle, their punches striking with twice the force of Mike Tyson’s. The event, sponsored by Hero Esports, a venture founded by Chinese billionaire Dino Ying, marked the first of its kind outside China and served as a harbinger for a global sports league envisioned as "Monster Trucks for the Terminator era."
Distinguished attendees, including Saudi royals, investors, tech enthusiasts, and influencers, alongside a Semafor journalist with diverse interests, gathered to witness the robots' attempts to outdo each other. The spectacle saw the robots struggling to face each other, occasionally stumbling and even breaking bits off their opponents. Yet, amidst the mix of slapstick entertainment, one robot managed a Street Fighter-style flying kick, remarkably remaining upright — a surprising feat.
Although it remains unclear whether Saudi Arabia's nearly $250 million investment in Hero Esports will yield positive returns, the event underscored the kingdom's ability to orchestrate grandiose spectacles and execute them flawlessly. As reported by Matthew Martin, the demonstration showcased the potential for Saudi Arabia to create memorable experiences that captivate audiences, much like the fusion of technology and entertainment in this unique robotic duel.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
