Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in the esports industry, with a series of high-profile events and ambitious economic targets. Saudi Arabia is set to host the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 and the ongoing Esports World Cup, positioning itself at the forefront of the global esports scene.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Saudi Arabia projects that the esports sector will generate SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) in economic contributions by 2030 and create more than 39,000 jobs. This development is part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sectors such as tourism, sports, and entertainment.
Hosting Major Esports Events
Saudi Arabia has already made a significant impact by hosting the first edition of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, which features prizes worth $60 million and has attracted over 2,500 players. The event is expected to draw 2 million visitors, supported by a streamlined visa process for esports fans purchasing tickets.
Olympic Esports Games 2025
The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 further solidifies Saudi Arabia’s status in the esports world. Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, emphasized that this event will contribute to the national strategy for gaming and electronic sports, promoting innovation and enhancing the Kingdom’s global influence.
Vision 2030 and Quality of Life
The CEO of the Quality of Life Program Centre, Khalid bin Abdullah Al Bakr, highlighted the importance of the gaming and esports sector in improving quality of life and empowering youth through entrepreneurship and innovation. The rapid global growth of esports aligns with Vision 2030, aiming to make Saudi Arabia a leading global center for gaming and esports.
Global Leadership in Esports
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to esports is evident through its successful hosting of international events like the Gamers Season, attracting over 500 elite athletes and offering substantial prizes. Faisal bin Homran, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, noted that the World Esports Cup has fulfilled the dreams of esports fans worldwide by hosting top clubs and players in the Kingdom.
Future Prospects
As the esports industry continues to evolve, Saudi Arabia expects its investment in the sector to yield significant returns. The Kingdom’s efforts to develop the gaming industry reflect its dedication to fostering a vibrant esports ecosystem, which will play a crucial role in the entertainment industry globally.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives and successful hosting of premier esports events underscore its ambition to become a dominant force in the global esports arena, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for future generations.
