Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global superpower in esports entertainment as it adds the hosting of the Olympics Esports Games in 2025 to the ongoing Esports World Cup.
It is expected that the sector will generate SR50bn ($13.3bn) in economic contributions by 2030 and provide more than 39,000 jobs in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has developed a reputation for hosting and organising major events such as Expo 2030, the 2034 World Cup, and the 2027 Asian Cup and is adding premium esports occasions to the roster.
Esports in Saudi Arabia
The events continue with the hosting of the first edition of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
Prizes worth $60m were allocated, enticing more than 2,500 players to participate, with expectations of 2m visitors and attendees.
Additionally, it has made it easier for esports fans to visit the Kingdom by allowing them to obtain a visit visa once they purchase a ticket to attend the event.
The Kingdom also announced the hosting of the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
The CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, Turki Alfawzan, stated that the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 will help achieve the national strategy goals for gaming and electronic sports.
He emphasised its role in promoting global innovation, showcasing the Kingdom’s impact on the world stage, and building the competitive capabilities of this sector.
This event is also expected to positively impact tourism, diversify the economy, and develop promising sectors in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Furthermore, Alfawzan highlighted the crucial role of the gaming and esports sector in engaging with societies at cultural, sporting, and economic levels.
According to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program Centre, Khalid bin Abdullah Al Bakr, this will contribute to improving the quality of human life in those societies.
He stressed the importance of the gaming and esports sector in diversifying options, improving the quality of life, and supporting and empowering young people interested in this field in terms of practice, entrepreneurship, startup companies, creativity, and innovation.
The CEO underscored the rapid global growth of the gaming and esports sector and its significance as one of the essential goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
He also expressed excitement and pride in the Kingdom’s pioneering role in this sector and its plan to become the leading global centre for gaming and esports.
This achievement is expected to contribute to job creation, support the tourism, sports, and entertainment sectors, and empower talent in this vital sector through competitive sporting events and tournaments hosted by the Kingdom.
On this first-of-its-kind global championship in esports, CEO at the Esports World Cup Foundation Faisal bin Homran affirmed that the Kingdom has proven its leadership in the global scene of sports and esports by hosting the first edition of the largest event in the sector, the World Esports Cup.
“For esports fans worldwide, it has long been a dream to witness top clubs and players competing in the most famous games, and the World Esports Cup has succeeded in realizing this dream on Saudi soil,” he said.
This enthusiasm prompted a large number of Saudi and non-Saudi professionals and enthusiasts to participate in the event, which began on July 2, totalling more than 2500 players, who will be competing over eight weeks for prizes totalling $60m, alongside various cultural, entertainment, artistic, and sports events awaited by the global audience of this event.
Esports tournaments and competitions often feature popular video games such as first-person shooter games, sports simulations, and strategy games, with professional players and teams undergoing intensive training with specialised coaches and support staff.
According to the development of the esports industry, it is expected that the sector will generate economic contributions of SR50bn ($13.3bn) by 2030 in Saudi Arabia alone.
The Kingdom is investing in its citizens and players to provide more than 39,000 job opportunities in various fields related to gaming and esports in the same year.
Additionally, Saudi players’ earnings exceed the global average per user, demonstrating the potential of the gaming and esports market in the country. Each year, total prizes for international and local tournaments exceed SR100m ($26.7m), reflecting the growing interest in esports.
The Saudi Arabian Esports Federation has played a leading role in international federations supporting the growth and organization of esports, illustrating the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the gaming industry.
Recently, Saudi Arabia successfully hosted several international events like the Gamers Season, attracting over 500 elite international athletes and offering significant financial prizes.
This will enhance the Kingdom’s position as a prominent player in the global gaming and esports arena.
As esports continue to grow and gain widespread recognition, they are expected to have a bright future as a rapidly growing and evolving field, with great potential for further growth and innovation in the coming years. They are likely to remain a leading force in the entertainment industry in the years ahead worldwide.
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