Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup aims to position Riyadh as global gaming hub
Saudi Arabia is hoping to establish itself as a global hub for esports, with major tournaments, dedicated gaming venues, and government support fuelling the industry’s expansion.
The recent ‘Esports World Cup’ in Riyadh, which featured the Dota 2 final between Team Spirit and Team Falcons, drew large crowds and enthusiastic fans.
Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, cited government support and a national gaming strategy as key factors in the sector’s growth.
“We have a national gaming and esports strategy, which is one of the pillars of Vision 2030… when you couple that with a very motivated government and an incredibly passionate population, it makes perfect sense,” he said.
Saudi gamers say the changes are noticeable at the community level.
“Kids and young people are becoming more involved and informed,” said Hassan Al Himyari, a local gamer.
“Now every child has a game they regularly play, whether it’s PUBG, Fortnite, Valorant, or others.”
The Esports World Cup is in its second annual iteration in Riyadh, drawing over 2,000 competitors from 84 countries to the heart of Saudi Arabia.
The event, running until August 24, boasts a $70 million prize pool.
The tournament features popular titles such as Dota 2, Rennsport, and Valorant, captivating gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
Sports, esports and gaming have been part of the crown prince’s transformation plan, known as Vision 2030, in which the government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars to diversify the kingdom’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil.
Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said in 2022 it will invest 142 billion riyals ($37.8 billion) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming.
Under the plan, the kingdom aims to set up 250 game companies locally, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector’s contribution to Saudi GDP to 50 billion riyals by 2030.
