Eilat has been forced to wait to host the World Championship Finals, having originally been the host of the 2020 edition.

The event concluded with regional competitions last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Eilat confirmed as the location for the 2021 Finals.

The IESF say this year's World Championship is the largest to date, with the first tournament held back in 2008.

A total of 85 nations participated in national and regional qualifiers, an increase of 11 from the previous edition.

The World Championship Finals will feature a record 164 athletes from 40 nations.

"Eilat 2021 is IESF's biggest and most geographically diverse World Championship Finals yet, reflecting on the incredible progress we've made in growing and uniting the world esports family in recent years," said Vlad Marinescu, the IESF President.

"As the world's only esports competition where athletes play representing their countries, we're proud to bring the 13th edition of the tournament to Eilat and look forward to an unforgettable week of world-class esports competition."

The Opening Ceremony will take place at the Ice Mall, the competition venue for the World Championship Finals.

Competition will take place across four game titles, DOTA 2, CS:GO, Tekken 7 and eFootball PES Series.

A total prize purse of $55,000 (£40,000/€48,000) will be on offer.

Online rhythm game Audition will also feature at the World Championships as a promoted title.

Organisers confirmed the addition of the title back in March.

"We're delighted to welcome the best esports athletes to Israel for the IESF's flagship event," said Ido Brosh, Israeli Esports Association President and IESF Board member.

"This is set to be the biggest national team esports finals ever and we are excited to contribute to this landmark moment for the world esports family.

"I'd like to thank Maccabi World Union, the City of Eilat and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for their support in bringing this event to life."

The 13th IESF World Championship Finals will be streamed live on Twitch.

Competition will take place until Friday (November 19), when the DOTA 2 ends.

A Closing Ceremony will be held later in the day.