RIYADH — Riot Games has announced that international music superstar Jason Derulo will headline the closing night of its three-day festival, The Nexus, on Riyadh Boulevard. Taking to the stage next Saturday, Jason Derulo will close the immersive themed festival revolving around the iconic League of Legends.

Including experiential zones and tournaments, where participants will battle for a share of the $2 million prize money across six competitions, the Nexus Festival is expected to attract a total audience of 30,000.

It cements a fantastic line-up with Los Angeles-based DJ, Mako, and electronic music stars Crystal Method from Las Vegas performing to crowds on Friday and Saturday night.

The event, running from Dec. 5-7, will be part of the Riyadh Season, an initiative by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) to transform Saudi Arabia into a global tourist and entertainment destination.

Derulo has sold over 30 million singles and has achieved eleven Platinum singles since the start of his solo recording career in 2009. His debut single "Whatcha Say" in May 2009 sold over five million digital downloads and reached No. 1 in the US and New Zealand. Since then, Derulo has released four studio albums and won a host of awards including the Teen Choice Award for Star Male.

Onur Tamer, METAI general manager at Riot Games said: “We are delighted to announce the amazing music line-up for the first Riot Games tournament in region.

“The announcement of Jason Derulo, DJ Mako and Crystal Method performing next weekend puts the finishing touches to what will be an incredible three-day event in Riyadh.

“With concerts, festival zones and gaming experiences, you will not be short of options for entertainment whether you’re an avid gaming fan or not. The first Nexus festival in the Middle East here in Riyadh promises to be an unmissable event.”

The theme park at the festival will be inspired by the vast world of League of Legends called 'Runeterra'. With 23 different activities, mini games and players being able to mingle with their favourite champions in an enjoyable interactive way, Riot Games aims to create a fun family experience open to participants of all ages.

The competition kicked off in November with qualifying rounds spread across 13 countries in the MENA region where the top eight teams will compete in the main event.

Riot Games ensures to have the biggest prize distribution the region has seen in the gaming industry with $2,000,000 spread across six competitions.

The 'five versus five' summoners rift, the event's primary competition, has a prize money of USD850,000, while the 'influencer tournament’ will see the top eight influencers of the region team up with microinfluencers to battle for a slice of the $750,000 prize.

The winners of the 'one versus one' battle, Team Fight Tactics, auto battler within the League of Legends universe and the Cosplay competition will share the remaining $400,000 in prize money.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.nexusarabia.leagueoflegends.com. — SG