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Saudi Gazette
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia is leading the of esports on the global stage
The ES TIMES — During a session titled "Driving Global Growth: Esports and Sports from a Vision 2030 Perspective," Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan spoke about the evolution of esports to become a key component of Saudi Arabia's development. Esports in Saudi Arabia is not just entertainment; it supports innovation, empowers youth, and adds long-term value to the gaming community in the region and globally. Saudi Arabia has taken bold steps. Launching the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, hosting the Esports World Cup Foundation, and investing in projects like Qiddiya, Prince Faisal said, "We're not waiting for the future, we're creating it." Through the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), he has built a structured ecosystem that develops talent and supports every gamer and creator to thrive. A Thriving Gaming Nation Today, 67% of Saudis consider themselves gamers. With this reality in mind, the goal is clear: for the Kingdom to become the world's premier destination for gaming and esports by 2030. The 18th Edition: A Global Gathering This edition of the International Olympic Academy Congress brought together 150 enthusiastic participants from five continents. Organized by the International Olympic Academy to expand its global Olympic education network, it began with a symbolic visit to the archaeological site of ancient Messenia, connecting the past with the Olympic values. During the opening ceremony, Charilaos Tsolakis, President of the IOA, and Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the HOC, affirmed their shared commitment to the values of the Olympics. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of education, the role of innovation, and international cooperation as fundamental principles at the heart of this initiative. Esports in Focus The day concluded with an inspiring keynote address and a panel discussion. The discussion was led by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, President of the International Esports Federation, and Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the IOA. They discussed how digital competitions can align with the Olympic values and even enhance the Olympic spirit, encouraging attendees to consider esports as a cultural force. 19 Olympic Esports Games 2025: A Historic Milestone According to the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This move represents a new chapter in the global recognition of esports. With more than 23.5 million players, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global powerhouse. Esports plays a vital role in social transformation, with nearly half of the gamers in the Kingdom being women. Since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, we have seen continued progress in empowering women. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, IOC Member and Chair of the Women in Sport Commission, commended this trend, saying: "The rise in women's participation in esports is exciting. I look forward to the Olympic Esports Games as an opportunity to engage more women in a safe and inclusive environment." SEF: At the forefront of the digital revolution Established in 2017, the Saudi Esports Federation has spearheaded the sector's advancement. Prince Faisal stated, "We aim to develop talent and encourage both personal and professional growth." With strong government support, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has committed $38 billion to the gaming sector, which is expected to create 39,000 jobs, support 250 developers, and add $13.33 billion to the national economy by 2030. Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships Savvy Games Group, owned by PIF, is actively forging international partnerships. Their $4.9 billion acquisition of mobile developer Scopely in 2023 demonstrates their long-term ambitions. Prince Faisal explained, "We aim to be a global hub for gaming and esports." In 2023, SEF hosted Gamers8 in Riyadh, which featured a record-breaking $45 million in prizes. Building on this remarkable success, Saudi Arabia is preparing for a new and ambitious step, hosting the Esports World Cup in 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of its strategy to support and develop the global gaming and esports sector. Promoting Education and Skills Through Gaming Gaming is not just entertainment - it's a tool for growth. Prince Faisal believes that gaming can foster creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking. There are plans to integrate gaming into the education sector. A Nation Ready to Lead Indeed, Saudi Arabia is not only building events and strategies, but is confidently moving toward shaping a future where gaming and esports reach new heights. By investing in the energy of its youth, its ambitious vision, and its unwavering commitment, the Kingdom is not only participating in this global transformation - it is leading the way, shaping the next phase with confidence and creativity. On July 13, 2024, the International Olympic Committee officially confirmed that Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games. Prince Faisal enthusiastically commented: "We are proud to be part of writing a new chapter in Olympic history." IOC President Thomas Bach echoed this sentiment, praising the expertise of the Saudi Olympic Committee. He also expressed his firm confidence in its ability to deliver an inspiring and innovative Olympic Esports Games, reflecting the remarkable development of the Kingdom's standing on the global sports scene. Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
United News of India
06-05-2025
- Business
- United News of India
India's gamers & esports athletes get new PC gaming training ground
Mumbai, May 6 (UNI) As India sets its sights on competing at the Asian Games, where esports will once again be a medal event, and the Olympic Esports Games that follow, it's clear that the country's athletes need access to hardware that matches their skills. With the Asian Games featuring multiple PC titles such as League of Legends and Naraka Bladepoint, the demand for high-performance systems is greater than ever. However, not every aspiring gamer can afford top-end setups. To make the best-in-class technology accessible and create a space where raw talent can thrive, CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming computers, has partnered with Indian esports organization Orangutan to power its newly launched esports arena ApeCity with high-performance gaming PCs. This includes top-end rigs designed to deliver the best gaming experience for competitive players, streamers, and casual gamers alike. Located in the heart of Navi Mumbai, ApeCity is a dedicated space for the gaming and esports community that offers a premium experience for fans, creators, and competitive gamers. For many Indian gamers at the grassroots level, this will be their first experience with high-end PC gaming. This initiative by CyberPowerPC India will give gamers and esports athletes an opportunity to experience elite-level hardware without the financial burden. The advanced systems will not only help them understand the capabilities of top-spec machines but also give them the ideal environment to practice, improve, and dream bigger. Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India said, 'To grow the PC gaming ecosystem and truly prepare for global stages like the Olympic Esports Games, EWC, or the Asian Games, India needs more than just ambition. We need infrastructure, opportunity, and community. Not every gamer can buy a high-end rig, which is why this partnership with Orangutan is so important." "Through ApeCity, we're not only offering top-tier hardware but also scouting talent and providing a real platform where they can thrive. Whether it's tournaments, content creation, or casual gaming, our goal is to give players an optimized environment that helps them push their limits and reach their full potential. We're proud to do our bit to help Indian esports athletes rise and shine internationally,' he said. In addition to CyberPowerPC India's gaming rigs, ApeCity features nine PlayStations for console enthusiasts, a state-of-the-art Sim Racing setup, and a Watchparty and Live Screening Zone for viewing major tournaments and matches. It also houses Chug and Chow by ApeCity, an in-house café built as a space for the community to relax, connect, and recharge, according to a media statement. Yash Bhanushali, Founder, Orangutan & ApeCity commented, 'Building ApeCity has been a dream of mine since childhood - to create a space where gamers could come together, grow, and thrive. Orangutan has always believed in raising the bar for esports in India, and with ApeCity, we're stepping into a new vertical that directly supports the grassroots community. Partnering with CyberPowerPC India was a natural fit." "Their commitment to performance and empowering gamers aligns perfectly with our vision. With their high-end rigs powering our arena, we're making elite level infrastructure accessible to everyone, whether you're a casual gamer, a rising star, or someone chasing big dreams in esports. This is just the beginning, and we're excited to redefine what community-led esports spaces look like in India,' Bhanushali said. According to Niko Partners' Indian Gamer Behaviour and Market Insights report, 77.3 percent of PC gamers in India spent more on games in Q1 2024 than the previous year, outpacing the spending growth in mobile and console gaming. Additionally, Steam reported a 150 percent increase in new users from India between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the growing adoption of PC gaming in the country. This partnership with Orangutan reflects CyberPowerPC India's strong focus on supporting the growth of PC gaming in India. Over the past year, the brand has consistently created opportunities for gamers beyond just offering high-end systems. At GamingCon last year, CyberPowerPC India ran an exclusive giveaway, where two Mumbai-based gamers won gaming PCs worth over INR 1 lakh each. Shortly after, at Bengaluru Comic Con, the brand hosted another giveaway, where an IITian won a custom-built PC worth INR 2.5 lakhs, reinforcing its mission to empower passionate gamers from all backgrounds. Through its state-of-the-art systems at ApeCity, CyberPowerPC India aims to inspire and enable the next generation of Indian gamers. By offering them the best possible gaming experience at the grassroots level, the brand hopes to empower future esports athletes who may one day represent India on the world stage. UNI BM
News18
05-05-2025
- Sport
- News18
Esports To Be A Demonstration Sport At Khelo India Youth Games
Last Updated: Esports will be an official medal sport at the 2026 Asian Games, and the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is scheduled to start in 2027. Esports has been added to the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) for the first time as a demonstration event featuring BGMI, Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball, a development that industry experts believe will help establish it as a mainstream sport. Esports will be an official medal sport at the 2026 Asian Games, and the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is scheduled to start in 2027. Before its inclusion in KIYG 2025, hosts Bihar had organised the Bihar State Esports Open Championship and the Bihar Inter School and College Esports Championship over the past year. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland have also taken proactive steps to support and formalise grassroots esports programs. Esports competitions will be beld at the Patliputra Sports Complex on May 6 and 7, featuring popular titles such as Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball on both mobile and console. While BGMI remains the most popular esports title in India, Chess stands out as a particularly noteworthy addition to KIYG 2025. Once considered a purely traditional sport, it has increasingly found a home in the esports world, most recently as part of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, which boasts a prize pool of USD 1.5 million (Rs 12.6 crore) for the title. 'The inclusion of titles like BGMI, Street Fighter 6, Chess, and eFootball in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 signals a big step forward for grassroots esports in India," says Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming. 'It's encouraging to see esports standing shoulder to shoulder with traditional sports, and the addition of Chess – bridging classical and digital strategy shows how in tune this initiative is with global trends. But this isn't just about tournaments. 'It's about creating real opportunities to discover talent from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, places that have been overlooked for too long, thus building the foundation for a future where Indian gamers don't just participate, they dominate on the world stage." First Published:
Broadcast Pro
14-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Hawk Gaming Group and GLOE forge strategic esports partnership
The partnership supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global entertainment hub. Tokyo-based GLOE Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia's Hawk Gaming Group, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the gaming and esports industries in Japan and the Kingdom. The collaboration is set to accelerate growth in both markets, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its ambitions to become a global hub for gaming and digital entertainment. Under the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom aims to position the sector as a major contributor to the economy. Hawk Gaming Group chairman and CEO Turki Faisal said: 'Gamers are the driving force behind future economies. They are the centre of innovation, culture, and growth. Through our partnership with GLOE, we aim to unlock the full potential of Japan's world-class content and talent, not only within Saudi Arabia but on a global scale. Together, we'll create new economic opportunities, strengthen industry connections, and contribute to realizing Vision 2030.' Saudi Arabia's gaming sector is experiencing rapid expansion, generating $7.2bn in revenue in 2023, with a player base of 23.5m active gamers. The Kingdom is also preparing to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027, with projections showing the esports sector could contribute $13.3bn to the GDP and create 39,000 jobs by 2030. Akihito Furusawa, GLOE Inc.'s co-CEO, said: 'While Japan has a wealth of exceptional game content, localization and cultural adaptation in the Middle East have been limited. With global interest in Saudi Arabia's esports scene at an all-time high, this is the perfect opportunity to bring Japanese games to the region. Together with Hawk Gaming Group, we will promote and expand Japanese gaming content across the Middle East.' The MoU outlines a framework for collaboration that includes intellectual property sharing, talent development, esports infrastructure and business opportunities. Together, the two companies aim to create a dynamic, cross-cultural exchange that enriches both gaming communities and contributes to the global evolution of esports.
Al Arabiya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Esports World Cup to return to Riyadh with over $70 mln prize pool
The Esports World Cup will return this summer to Riyadh with a record prize pool of more than $70 million, its organizer said on Thursday, as Saudi Arabia continues its push to become a global gaming hub. This year's tournament will expand to 24 games, adding chess and Riot Games' popular shooter 'Valorant' to last year's roster of 21 games. For more news on sports in Saudi Arabia, visit our dedicated page. As competitive gaming moves into the mainstream and attracts deep-pocketed investors, Saudi Arabia is betting big on the industry and will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027, under a 12-year deal with the International Olympic Committee. 'What has been built organically through the last 25 years now gets supported by public interest,' Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation told Reuters, adding that the investment is part of a 'clear economic agenda.' The event is part of Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' economic diversification strategy, which has seen billions invested in various sports events. The inclusion of Chess, the centuries-old board game, in the esports tournament comes after it experienced a significant revival during the pandemic and continues to thrive through competitions organized on platforms like Reichert said eight of the world's top-ranked 10 players have signed with up esports clubs, with Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi confirmed to compete at the tournament this year. The total prize pool, up from $60 million last year, will be split between game champions and a $25 million fund earmarked for clubs to nurture talent and support players. That funding could be key for an industry that has been rocked by financial instability, as several teams that surged in popularity during the pandemic have since faltered in a very capital-heavy industry. Last month, the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund-owned Scopely bought Niantic Labs' gaming division, the force behind the hit augmented reality game 'Pokemon Go', for $3.5 billion.
