Saudi Arabia's Esports revolution

In Saudi Arabia, gaming is more than just a pastime — it's a lifestyle.

A whopping 67% of the population identifies as gamers, and the number of professional esports players is steadily rising, with over 100 individuals now pursuing full-time careers in the industry.

The Kingdom’s gaming market is currently valued at nearly $1 billion, with projections to triple to $3 billion by 2030. This growth is showcased through major events like the Gamers8 festival, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), which featured a record-breaking $45 million prize pool last year.

SEF is also making strides in supporting female gamers, hosting an all-women CS tournament at Gamers Without Borders.

First-ever Olympic Esports games in 2025

In an unprecedented move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia are teaming up to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This historic event is set to catapult esports to the forefront of the global sporting arena.

This groundbreaking collaboration comes at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia, aligning perfectly with the country's Vision 2030 initiative — a bold blueprint for social and economic transformation. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia aims to become a global hub for esports, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Hosting the Esports World Cup

The excitement is already palpable with the Esports World Cup taking place at Boulevard City in Riyadh. This monumental event, which kicked off on July 3, has gathered hundreds of competitors vying for a share of a staggering $60 million prize pool.

Over eight thrilling weeks, professional gamers, publishers, and fans from around the globe are converging for a competitive gaming extravaganza, promising an unparalleled blend of entertainment and esports action.

400 Clubs at the starting line | Esports World Cupwww.youtube.com

A new era

Saudi Arabia has been on a transformative journey, making headlines with progressive reforms and groundbreaking projects like Neom and The Mukaab. Since 2018, the Kingdom has firmly established itself as a premier destination for global sports events, hosting over 100 international competitions and attracting over 2.6 million sports fans.

Amid these sweeping changes, the esports sector has also experienced a remarkable boom, driven in part by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a self-confessed avid gamer who is passionate about the industry’s potential.

The power of investment

Backing these ambitious esports projects is the formidable Public Investment Fund (PIF), the world’s sixth-largest sovereign wealth fund. The PIF and its subsidiaries have spent roughly $6 billion buying up game companies and $14 billion on stock investments.

The fund has made substantial investments in publicly traded video game companies, including a stake in Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive and Nintendo. Notably, its 8.3 percent stake in Nintendo makes it the Japanese company's largest outside investor. Before Microsoft's acquisition, the PIF also held a $3.3 billion investment in Activision Blizzard.

Through acquisitions, a company funded by the PIF called Savvy Games Group now owns 40% of the total esports market share.

In 2021, the PIF launched Savvy Games Group to spearhead a planned $38 billion investment in the gaming industry. The fund brought in Brian Ward, a former director at Electronic Arts and vice president at Activision Blizzard, as the company's CEO. Under his leadership, Savvy Games Group has acquired ESL, a leading esports event organizer, and FACEIT, a top digital platform. These strategic moves are positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the esports industry.

Qiddiya’s vision

Taking the esports landscape to new heights, Saudi Arabia is launching the first-ever Gaming & Esports district in Qiddiya City, located 30 miles west of Riyadh, this ambitious development will feature four state-of-the-art esports venues designed to attract up to 10 million visitors annually. Among its highlights is a venue boasting the world’s largest indoor LED screen, seating 5,300—making it one of the largest esports arenas globally.

Qiddiya’s vision goes beyond just hosting events; it aims to create a year-round destination for gamers and esports enthusiasts. The district will offer a mix of entertainment, hospitality, and retail experiences tailored for the gaming community. Additionally, it will include training facilities for professional gamers, ensuring that the region becomes a hub for developing esports talent.

Qiddiya City Overviewwww.youtube.com

Additionally, the Saudi kingdom is forming strategic partnerships with video game giants like Sony and Activision Blizzard (now owned by Microsoft) and media companies such as Rolling Stone and CNN. These collaborations are set to enhance Qiddiya’s offerings and solidify Saudi Arabia’s position at the forefront of the global gaming and esports industry.

The IOC announcement has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation as preparations begin to select the host city and venue. Details on the event's timing, the games to be featured, and the qualification process for players are eagerly awaited by fans and participants alike.

In a year marked by financial difficulties and mass layoffs in the industry, Saudi investments are providing a crucial lifeline, injecting much-needed capital into the global gaming and esports sectors. This commitment is not only revitalizing the industry but also positioning Saudi Arabia as a central player in the future of competitive gaming.