Game On: Everything you need to know about esports in Saudi Arabia
A whole district just for esports? Check.
World’s biggest esports festival? Check.
The largest gaming stadiums on the planet? Check.
Saudi Arabia’s esports scene is changing the game – literally. The Kingdom of Sports is looking to the future and making history as the first country ever to create an entire district for esports. With a goal to bring in 10 million visitors a year hosting, entertaining, and training esports gamers, this is a real-world sandbox where skills are sharpened, competitions go epic, and gaming dreams become reality.
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Achievement Unlocked! Saudi Arabia is the new global stage for esports
Saudi Arabia is playing big! From the first Olympic Esports Games to the Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom is taking its gaming and esports scene to the next level, making sure everyone can get involved—from casual players to aspiring pros. It’s not just about playing games, though—it’s about creating exciting career paths, opening new doors for gamers, and building a future where esports is for everyone. For example, 67.5% of the population in Saudi Arabia consider themselves gamers (that’s 23.5 million people!) and the Kingdom is host to 85% of gaming fans in the Middle East and North Africa. So, the stakes are pretty high, and the competition higher still.
Then there’s the Esports World Cup – the world’s largest esports festival is an 8-week extravaganza with non-stop gaming, thrilling throw downs, and millions in prizes. Even if you’re AFK and just want to stop by and watch some games over tasty snacks, you can do so anytime during the tournament by visiting the ultimate Esports playground at the Riyadh Boulevard City. Here, take a look at how it all went down in 2024!
And if you’re a young entrepreneur looking to the business side of things, there’s good news for you, too! Saudi Arabia is getting ready to invest US$6.4 billion in future technologies to support entrepreneurs, start-ups, and strengthen the Kingdom’s infrastructure of submarine cables and data centers.1 So, it’s not all about playing games, it’s about making games and the whole network around them too!
TL;DR Saudi Arabia is the place to be for esports – whether you’re a gamer, creator, investor, or spectator.
New objective! How to get involved
Getting involved in Saudi Arabia’s esports scene is easier than ever, whether you’re a player or a fan. A great first starting point is the official website for the Saudi Esports Federation, which offers links to tournaments, events, communities, and team profiles as well as a calendar of events. You can also sign up for local competitions, check out major events and venues, or read through the regulations to understand what you and/or your team need to do to get involved. Don’t forget, even beginners can compete in amateur tournaments and meet the pros!
And if you prefer a hands-on experience, check out the growing number of gaming cafés and esports hubs in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where you can meet other gamers, practice, and even join smaller tournaments. You can also follow top Saudi esports teams through the Esports Federation’s dedicated website and stay updated on tryouts and opportunities. The Federation is playing a particularly important role in supporting the growth of Saudi esports by organizing high-profile tournaments, supporting local talent, collaborating with international organizations, and fostering inclusivity.
So, are you ready to start your game streaming career?
Like any esports scene, there are certain games that capture the attention of both casual and competitive players – and of course a multitude of others, both AAA and indie, that bubble along too.
PUBG Mobile is a major hit, with huge player participation in tournaments like the Saudi eLeague and Arab League, thanks to its fast-paced battle royale format. FIFA also has a massive following, given the country’s love for football, and it’s a regular feature in major events like Esports World Cup. And for those into different sorts of action, Call of Duty: Warzone is a favorite, with intense competition and local tournaments bringing the best players together.
Other popular titles include League of Legends, the global esports juggernaut, which has a solid player base in Saudi Arabia, and Valorant, a rising star in the tactical FPS genre that’s especially popular among younger gamers. These games represent a wide variety of esports interests, from football fans to those who love battle royales and tactical shooters, making Saudi Arabia a vibrant and diverse hub for competitive gaming.2
What are you waiting for? GLHF!
