Latest news with #TurkiAl-Fawzan
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
SEF arena inauguration heralds exciting new era for Saudi esports
RIYADH: Esports in Saudi Arabia is set for an exciting new era following the official opening of the new SEF Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport 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.'
Arab News
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
5th Saudi Esports Federation Awards will celebrate milestone this weekend
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation will host the organization's fifth awards this weekend in a celebration of the past year's exceptional achievements in the Kingdom's esports sector. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Taking place at SEF Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, the 2024 awards aim to inspire and recognize both amateurs and professionals, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position in the global esports industry. This year's event will feature 19 award categories, highlighting the individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the esports scene. They include Best Rising Player of the Year; Best Rising Talent of the Year; Best Female Player of the Year, presented by Hilton; Best Club of the Year, presented by Richy; Best Content Creator, presented by SAIB; and Best Roster of the Year, presented by Golden Scent. The awards reflect the federation's commitment to celebrating excellence in esports while inspiring the next generation to aim higher and dream bigger, said SEF CEO Turki Al-Fawzan: 'As we mark the fifth edition, we are proud to see how far the Kingdom has come in establishing itself as a leader in this dynamic industry. 'This has been a monumental year for esports in Saudi Arabia, with Team Falcons' historic victory at the Esports World Cup and Team Saudi's triumph in the FIFAe World Cup™ Rocket League competition particularly worthy of note.! He added: 'These achievements further highlight the exceptional talent we have in the Kingdom and demonstrate our potential to lead the global esports stage. We look forward to building on the ecosystem in Saudi esports that leads to this success and developing even greater achievements in the future.' The SEF Awards also recognize the efforts of key contributors to the industry, such as content creators, streamers, coaches and esports professionals. Their efforts are critical to building an inclusive and dynamic esports ecosystem.
