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Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's esports sector eyes $13.3bn GDP contribution by 2030
Saudi Arabia's esports industry is projected to contribute $13.3 billion to the Kingdom's GDP by 2030, according to analysis by PwC Middle East in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation. The sector could generate nearly 39,000 jobs as part of the country's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. The Kingdom's esports market is experiencing rapid growth, with revenue expected to exhibit an annual growth rate of 8.99 per cent from 2024 to 2029 and a projected market volume of $16.2 million by 2029. Media rights represent the largest segment, anticipated to reach $5.2 million in 2024. Saudi Arabia has 23.5 million gamers – around 67 per cent of the population, providing a substantial domestic base for esports growth. This demographic advantage, combined with government investment, has positioned the Kingdom as a key player in the regional gaming ecosystem. The Saudi Esports Federation, officially established on October 13, 2017, serves as the regulatory body for the sector. Since its establishment, the federation has organised multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors, and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market. The Kingdom has established itself as a major tournament host, through the Esports World Cup. In October 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Esports World Cup, an annual competition which includes the most popular games. The 2025 edition features 25 events with over $70 million in prize money. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'Hosting the Esports World Cup for the second year in a row reflects Saudi Arabia's and the MENA region's ambition to be at the forefront of the global gaming and esports ecosystem. It's proof that the region is no longer a spectator in the international gaming scene; it's a leader.' Previously known as Gamers8, the SEF-organised tournament announced the largest esports prize pool in history with $45 million for its 2023 event. Partnerships at the EWC include Moontoon, Secretlab, Logitech, Mastercard, Adidas, Pepsi, demonstrating significant commercial interest. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: 'The Esports World Cup exists to empower communities, create lasting economic opportunities and firmly position the MENA region as the global heart of esports. By bringing together the best games, the greatest players, and the world's top esports clubs, we don't just create the biggest esports tournaments – we invest in sustainable growth, accelerate job creation, fuel regional industries from entertainment to tourism, and showcase the region's unmatched talent, infrastructure, and passion for gaming.' The broader Gulf region is experiencing strong esports growth. IMARC estimates the GCC esports market to exhibit a CAGR of 12.88 per cent during 2025 to 2033, driven by government initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, significant investments in gaming infrastructure, and the region's young, tech-savvy population. Globally, worldwide esports revenue is expected to grow to $1.86 billion by 2025, nearly doubling its revenue from $996 million in 2020. Global esports had its largest-ever audience in 2021, with a viewership of 465.1 million people – up 6.7 per cent year on year. The Kingdom's esports development includes domestic leagues such as Saudi eLeague, designed to nurture local talent and build a competitive ecosystem. These initiatives complement major international tournaments, creating pathways for Saudi players to compete at the highest levels. Falcons: Driving Saudi talent to the global stage A key part of the Kingdom's esports ecosystem is Team Falcons, the leading Saudi Arabian esports organisation founded in 2017 by world champion FIFA player Mosaad Al-Dossary. Falcons has become a powerhouse in the scene, with more than 200 players, the majority of whom are Saudi, and 18 teams competing across top games such as EA FC, Fortnite, Rocket League, and Valorant. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Al-Dossary said the momentum of Saudi Arabia's esports scene is 'absolutely amazing,' adding, 'I'm really glad to be a small part of what's happening. The environment is strong, it's helping everyone — even globally.' He credits the Kingdom's massive base of 23 million gamers as the foundation: 'We're talking about a passion of people who play in general. Obviously, that number needs to be utilised in terms of champions and players.' Falcons plays a central role in this vision. 'We give opportunities for people to work either as employees doing what they love, or as players who want to go on the biggest stage. We provide a full ecosystem to support them and make sure they are in the best shape,' Al-Dossary said. Falcons also supports the development of female players through dedicated teams and runs an academy for Saudi players. Looking ahead, Al-Dossary outlined a bold vision: 'We want to continue being one of the best esports organisations — the best — and we want to consistently win titles. But we also have a bigger role to play in sending positive messages to our audience. We want to be a lifestyle brand for everyone.' He also emphasised the importance of nurturing local talent. 'It takes time to build players and help them achieve what can be achieved, but I'm confident we have very talented players. Falcons can help and support them.' On the Esports World Cup, Al-Dossary is equally enthusiastic: 'The concept is absolutely amazing — having everyone during the festival for seven or eight weeks. It's a 360 model which helps everyone — publishers, teams, players, clubs — and every year it gets better.' When asked about challenges, Al-Dossary said the field holds no real concerns for Falcons: 'I don't think there are challenges. I think the audience and the prize pool are growing bigger and bigger. From experience, we are on the right path — it's exciting.' The Kingdom's National Gaming and Esports Strategy projects the sector could contribute $13.3 billion (SAR 50 billion) to GDP and generate nearly 39,000 jobs by 2030. This represents a significant component of the Vision 2030 economic diversification program. The strategy encompasses the entire esports value chain, from tournament organisation and broadcasting to talent development and technology infrastructure. Local private sector investment is increasing, with companies recognising the commercial potential of the growing gaming community. Initiatives like the Esports World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games in 2025 showcase Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a hub for esports excellence. The Kingdom's investment in world-class facilities and tournament infrastructure has attracted major international competitions. Saudi Arabia's esports sector is positioned for continued growth, supported by strong demographics, government backing, and increasing international recognition.
Leaders
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Mobile Gaming Matches Traditional Esports Intensity at Esports World Cup
Mobile gaming is proving its competitive edge at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, running from July 7 to August 24. Despite common perceptions that mobile games are less serious than those on consoles or PCs, the tournament is showcasing just how intense and skillful mobile esports can be. Players are demonstrating remarkable control, speed, and strategy—using only touchscreen devices. Far from casual gaming, these athletes are pushing the boundaries of what's possible on mobile platforms. One of the standout events is the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational (MWI), which began Tuesday. The competition features 16 top-tier teams from 13 regions worldwide, battling for a share of a $500,000 prize pool—plus a $50,000 award for the tournament's best player. Beyond competition, the MWI is helping elevate women's participation in esports. As interest continues to grow among women's clubs and international teams, this tournament marks a significant step forward in promoting gender diversity in the gaming industry. Related Topics : Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG Mobile Partner to Boost Gaming Ecosystem Saudi, Japan Ink MoU to Establish Digital Economy Partnership Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 Ends Revolutionizing Education: Unveiling Impact of Online Learning Revolution Short link : Post Views: 13
Leaders
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Esports World Cup 2025: Prince Faisal Reveals Tournament's Grand Vision
The global spotlight turns to Riyadh as the city hosts the second edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC). This massive event, running from early July to 24 August, signals Saudi Arabia's serious ambition to become a central hub for the booming esports industry. Furthermore, with a record-breaking prize pool, the tournament attracts the world's best talent for an eight-week celebration of gaming and competition. The Esports World Cup is the successor to the successful Gamers' festival, as the Kingdom has significantly increased its investment, boosting the total prize pool to over $70 million for the 2025 event, a notable increase from the $62.5 million offered in the inaugural 2024 competition. This substantial financial commitment underscores the nation's dedication to fostering sustainable careers for players and clubs, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities. A Unique Vision for Esports Prince Faisal bin Bandar, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, shared his passion for the unique nature of esports. 'Your first introduction to the person you're playing against is not their look, background, history, race, gender, but it's their skill in the game,' he stated in a recent interview. He emphasized that esports allows respect to be built on merit and skill alone. Consequently, this creates a level playing field unlike any other sport. The chairman also highlighted the unparalleled connection between players and fans. He described how streamers can give personal shout-outs, creating an intimate bond that is impossible in traditional sports stadiums. 'That connection to the fans…and that ability to really stake your claim are two things that I just love about gaming and Esports,' he added. More Than Just a Tournament The event is more than a series of competitions; it is a cultural festival. It infuses a distinct Saudi style into the global esports scene. 'It's a red carpet, but it's a very Saudi style,' Prince Faisal explained. 'It's part of what we get to bring to the table is a little bit of the fun, a little bit of our style.' This approach aims to make the event more entertaining and engaging than typical tournaments. A prime example of this unique flavor is the 'crushing of the keys' ceremony. In this ritual, the losing team in a key match must hand over their symbolic key to the victors to be crushed. 'That moment when the team hands over their key to the other team to be crushed is the most diabolical moment, and I love every minute of it,' said Prince Faisal. He believes this adds a layer of fun, intrigue, and brutal competition that defines the spirit of esports. Fierce Competition for the Crown The tournament features a diverse lineup of over 20 of the world's most popular games, including Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, and Fortnite. The main attraction is the Club Championship, which awards a significant portion of the prize money to the top 16 organizations based on their overall performance across all titles. This innovative format encourages clubs to build strong rosters in multiple games. Looking ahead to the finals, Prince Faisal anticipates a tight race. He noted the growth of many teams since last year's event. While homegrown champions Team Falcons are a strong contender, he also pointed to the strength of international powerhouses like Team Liquid, AG Global, and T1. 'I'm not sure I could tell you who's going to win,' he admitted, 'but I can guarantee it's going to be a lot closer than it was last year.' Short link : Post Views: 24
The National
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
A guide to the Esports World Cup's Festival: Celebration of gaming and culture in Riyadh
As esports takes centre stage in Saudi Arabia this summer, Boulevard Riyadh City is hosting one of the most ambitious gaming and culture events the world has seen. Spanning more than 50,000 square metres, the Esports World Cup Festival is more than a companion to the ongoing competitive tournaments – it is a curated experience designed to immerse fans of all ages in the world of gaming. From nostalgic zones and cutting-edge simulations to cultural performances and interactive installations, the festival places gaming culture firmly in the spotlight. Speaking to The National at this year's event, Prince Faisal bin Bandar, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, says he is particularly proud of the effort that went into expanding the festival experience. 'It gives something to casual gamers and non-gamers alike – a place where people can spend the whole day, not just come to watch a match and leave,' Prince Faisal says. 'We told game developers – don't just bring your esport, bring a showcase of who you are. Let's spotlight the entire experience, not just gameplay.' Open daily from 6pm to 2am, the festival runs alongside the main Esports World Cup competitions, welcoming visitors with a ticketed pass and an invitation to explore the full breadth of modern and retro gaming. A journey through gaming history The festival begins with a nostalgic walk through the decades. The retro gaming zones are among the most visited areas, inviting fans to reconnect with the titles that defined their childhoods. In the 1980s Zone, visitors can play on vintage consoles such as the Atari and original Nintendo Entertainment System, surrounded by cassette tapes, retro televisions and neon decor. Next door, the 1990s Zone celebrates the cartridge era with functional Super Nintendo, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast and PlayStation One consoles, all set within themed displays that highlight gaming's rapid evolution. A wall of 1980s movie posters, a collection of cassette players and classic arcade cabinets – including Street Fighter and NBA Jam – complete the throwback experience. Active play and movement-based gaming One of the more innovative areas of the festival is its focus on physical engagement. The CycloBeat 3.0 installation features four exercise bikes connected to a rhythm-based gaming screen, blending fitness with fun. The Run Beat Challenge uses manual treadmills to simulate game-like races across dynamic environments. The iWall, a motion-sensing screen, encourages full-body play through a selection of digital mini-games – no controller required. Meanwhile, Valo Climb and Valo Arena add augmented reality to the mix. In Valo Climb, players scale a real wall enhanced with digital targets. At Valo Arena, up to six participants compete inside a 360-degree projected environment, using physical gestures and reflexes to win. Casual competitions and esports-lite experiences For those eager to test their skills, the festival includes scaled-down versions of some of the world's biggest esports titles. The Valorant Challenge Range allows visitors to sharpen their aim in a timed shootout, while League of Legends fans can engage in one-on-one duels or Aram mini matches. Leaderboards track top scores, encouraging friendly competition, while fast turn-arounds keep lines moving. The Valvoline SynPower Challenge is a light-hearted mobile racing mini-game, where players steer with tilt controls, avoid potholes and drop virtual oil for speed boosts – a hit with families. Content creators and community interaction At the heart of the festival is the Content Creator Park, where fans can watch their favourite streamers compete live in games such as Fortnite Zero Build, EA Sports FC 25, Rocket League and Codenames. Many creators have travelled from around the world to take part, with interactive meet-and-greets adding to the excitement. Nearby, the Publisher Park and Riot Games Store offer themed merchandise, exclusive collectibles and a Valorant-inspired milkshake bar. Mini games and Teamfight Tactics challenges round out the area. Digital motorsport and car culture Petrolheads will enjoy the Jameel Motorsport Park, where visitors can customise replica car parts – such as spoilers and mirrors – for a daily design competition. Winning entries are displayed throughout the venue. The Aramco Sim Arena brings Formula One action to Riyadh, with a life-size Aston Martin F1 show car and 20 high-end motion simulators that offer an intense, realistic driving experience. These simulators, equipped with full-motion support and immersive sound, are a festival highlight. Puzzle solving and immersive storytelling For those seeking a mental challenge, the HMG Maze Challenge offers a labyrinth of eight rooms, each with its own timed puzzle. Visitors compete in groups to escape the fastest, blending social interaction with cognitive tests. Meanwhile, Eva, a digital storytelling installation, provides a more reflective experience. Exploring themes of artificial intelligence, memory and choice, the exhibit draws visitors into an emotional journey told through an interactive conversation with a sentient machine – all brought to life with atmospheric audio-visual design. Culture, performance and heritage In Japan Park, hosted by anime streaming service Crunchyroll, visitors can witness the Ainu Sword Dance by Daiki Hiramura. Performed on select nights, the dance – inspired by the anime Golden Kamuy – celebrates indigenous Japanese storytelling and tradition. The Aramco History Wall offers a quieter moment, showcasing the company's journey through large-scale installations and archival exhibits that highlight the intersection of technology, innovation and cultural heritage. Watch parties and esports documentaries At the Watch Party Pavilion, fans can gather to watch esports matches live on large screens, with special appearances by streamers including Tyler1, Mixwell, TimTheTatman and Scump. The newly released docuseries, This Machine, filmed on-site during the tournament, is also screening at the venue. Streaming on Amazon Prime, the series provides a rare look into the personal stories of professional players – their challenges, sacrifices and the support networks that power them. Entry, food and services Festival access is available to anyone with a valid Esports World Cup Weekly Pass or individual Esports Stage tickets. The All-Access Pass offers fast-track privileges and a merchandise bundle. Food stalls and cafes are spread throughout the grounds, offering both Saudi and international cuisine. Medical facilities, prayer rooms, rest zones and accessible entrances ensure that all visitors are well accommodated. The Esports World Cup and its accompanying festival run until 24 August at Boulevard Riyadh City
Euronews
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Grand prizes, big names: 2nd Esports World Cup starts in Riyadh
It's 'game on' in Saudi Arabia: For the next seven weeks, Riyadh's Boulevard City will be a gamer's paradise, as well as home to a festival-style experience for fans. 2000 elite players from 200 clubs and more than 100 countries are here. There's a wide-range of competitions being played - from first-person shooter to mobile multiplayer battle games. Ralf Reichert , Esports World Cup Foundation's CEO told Euronews: "It's the sheer scale that's unheard of. Esports is just at the start of its tenure and it's there to grow to become one of the biggest sports in the world in the next decades." For the hosts, Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, the president of the Saudi Esports Federation shared his enthusiasm with the assembled media: "One of the most spectacular things about gaming is your first initiation to someone, your first meeting of someone, is not who they are as a colour, skin, religion, background, race, gender. It is an avatar in the game and therefore their skill." The Esports World Cup also attracts plenty of star power. Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is the tournament's official ambassador and American pop star Post Malone headlines the opening ceremony of this giant gaming festival.
