RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a powerhouse in the global esports industry, turning what was once considered a mere hobby into a serious and lucrative career option. With the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, aimed at diversifying the economy and encouraging investments in digital and entertainment sectors, esports has found fertile ground to thrive. And now, with the 2024 Esports World Cup underway, it’s set to evolve in something monumental.
The 2024 Esports World Cup in Riyadh is set to be a breathtaking event, firmly placing Saudi Arabia at the heart of the global gaming community. As part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the economy and promote digital and entertainment sectors, this event is not just a celebration of gaming, but a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence on the international esports stage.
A global blockbuster right in Riyadh
The Esports World Cup, hosted in the futuristic city of Riyadh, is expected to attract tens of thousands of fans, professional players, and teams from all over the world. Featuring the most popular competitive games such as League of Legends, FIFA, Call of Duty, and Dota 2, the event promises thrilling action with some of the biggest names in esports battling it out for multi-million-dollar prize pools.
In addition to the tournaments, the 2024 Esports World Cup will feature immersive fan experiences, gaming exhibitions, and interactive events. Fans can expect to meet their favorite streamers and players, engage with the latest in gaming technology, and participate in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) gaming experiences, making it not just a competition but a full-blown festival of gaming culture.
A booming industry
Esports has grown globally, but Saudi Arabia has stood out due to its unique blend of government backing, youth interest, and technological infrastructure. With 70% of the population under 30, Saudi youth are driving the growth of gaming culture. In fact, the Kingdom has some of the highest gaming engagement rates in the world, with young Saudis avidly playing popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and FIFA.
But what’s particularly noteworthy is the country’s strategic push to become a hub for esports. The Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS), founded in 2017, has played a key role in shaping this vision. Its efforts to host international tournaments and create opportunities for local talent have propelled the esports scene forward at an unprecedented rate.
Government investment, support
The Saudi government has invested heavily in the gaming sector, recognising its potential not only for entertainment but also for job creation and boosting the economy. With events like the Gamers8 festival, the world’s largest esports and gaming event, Saudi Arabia has put itself on the global gaming map. Held in Riyadh, Gamers8 offers multi-million-dollar prize pools, drawing professional players and gaming fans from around the world. This has helped solidify the Kingdom as a premier destination for esports tournaments.
Moreover, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been making strategic investments in international gaming companies, further signaling the country’s serious commitment to becoming a global leader in digital entertainment. These efforts align with Vision 2030’s goal to develop new sectors that attract foreign investment and create thousands of new jobs.
A viable career path?
Traditionally, gaming was seen as a pastime, but today, many Saudi youth are considering it a viable career. Whether as professional players, streamers, or even game developers, opportunities in esports are plentiful. Local players like Musaed “MSDossary” Al-Dossary, who won the 2018 FIFA eWorld Cup, have shown that Saudis can compete and excel at the highest levels. His victory was not only celebrated within the gaming community but also by the broader public, symbolising a shift in attitudes toward gaming as a profession.
In addition to players, Saudi Arabia has become home to various gaming academies and platforms where aspiring gamers can hone their skills. These institutions offer training in everything from gameplay mechanics to content creation, allowing young Saudis to turn their passion into a full-fledged career.
Creating community
The rise of esports has also fostered a sense of community among Saudi gamers. Online platforms like Twitch and YouTube, where players stream their games and interact with fans, have become immensely popular. Local content creators are building large followings, not only within Saudi Arabia but globally, helping to put Saudi esports on the international stage.
These platforms have also opened up discussions about gaming’s role in modern Saudi culture. Parents who once discouraged their children from playing video games are now seeing the career potential and value in this rapidly expanding industry.
Challenges—but opportunities as well
While the future of esports in Saudi Arabia looks promising, challenges remain. Building a sustainable ecosystem for gaming requires more than just large tournaments. Infrastructure, internet connectivity, and access to resources are key areas where continued investment is needed. Additionally, there is a need for broader societal acceptance of gaming as a profession, particularly among older generations.
However, with the ongoing support from the government and the enthusiasm of the youth, the potential for growth is immense. The Saudi market is expected to be one of the fastest-growing in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it a hotspot for international gaming companies and investors alike.
Esports in Saudi Arabia has evolved from a simple hobby to a dynamic and flourishing industry. As the Kingdom continues to invest in digital infrastructure, host large-scale events, and nurture local talent, the future of gaming looks bright. For Saudi youth, esports offers not only a thrilling form of entertainment but also the chance to build careers and be part of a global movement.
The rise of esports in Saudi Arabia is a testament to how quickly the country is adapting to new industries and redefining its future—both economically and culturally. Whether you’re a gamer or not, it’s clear that esports is here to stay, and Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in this rapidly evolving field.
