SEF arena inauguration heralds exciting new era for Saudi esports

Arab News

11-04-2025

RIYADH: Esports in Saudi Arabia is set for an exciting new era following the official opening of the new SEF Arena.
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The Saudi Esports Federation center in Boulevard World, Riyadh, is a state-of-the-art complex designed to revolutionize gaming and esports in the Kingdom.
Spanning 25,000 sq. meters, it boasts dedicated esports venues, event halls, the SEF Academy, SEF Studio and collaborative workspaces and is purpose-built to support every phase of a player's journey from grassroots level to the international stage.
The inauguration is a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabia's journey to becoming the global capital for competitive gaming, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's accelerating digital economy.
Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of SEF, said: 'This isn't just a venue; it's the beating heart of an ecosystem. It's where ambition meets opportunity, and where champions are made. We want Saudi Arabia to be known as the 'Land of Champions,' a winning nation where talent is discovered, nurtured, and elevated to the world stage.'
At the heart of SEF's vision is the gamer's journey. Starting with the SEF's School League, players can progress through a structured system that includes the SEF Academy, high-performance coaching, training, and mentorship, taking them from casual player to full-time professional.
Al-Fawzan added: 'From watching Twitch streams at home to competing in the Saudi eLeagues and ultimately representing the Kingdom on the global stage, this is the structured journey we've built for our youth. It all starts right here, at the SEF Arena.'
The arena is also home to the Saudi eLeagues, where more than 2,800 active players compete across tournaments including the Saudi eLeague Elites, Saudi Women League, Saudi Fighting League and Saudi Challenger League, making it a year-round venue.
To support its mission of developing local talent, the SEF has signed groundbreaking Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia's largest esports clubs and stakeholders — Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, R8, and The Ultimates, as well as Savvy.
These will help expand opportunities for Saudi players, creators and organizations across both local and global circuits, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and driving industry innovation.
Delivering a comprehensive and high-performance environment, the SEF Arena will deliver a comprehensive, high-performance environment, providing players, teams and publishers with the tools and infrastructure they need to thrive. With world-class training, live broadcasting capabilities, and immersive fan experiences, it sets a new standard for esports development.
Al-Fawzan said: 'We are laying the foundation for the future of esports in Saudi Arabia. This is our legacy, our promise to the next generation of champions. Let's make history, together.'
The opening comes three months before the start of the second Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
Faisal bin Horman, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Federation, told Arab News the success of last year's event means there will be more tournaments and players in 2025.
'I think this year is (going to) be better (in) every aspect, from player experience, prize money and publishers as well,' he said.
'We are challenging the players, we are challenging the clubs, no mercy when it comes to qualification. Everything is earned and nothing is granted. If you are good, come and compete and win.'