Esports – defined as organized, competitive video gaming – along with the video game publishing industry, are rapidly growing parts of the global sports and entertainment sector. Saudi Arabia is emerging as a hub for the booming industry thanks to its young, tech-literate population and strategic investments in internet and tech infrastructure. More than 68 percent of young Saudis and 58 percent of the population as a whole self-identify as gamers; recognizing this potential, Saudi Arabia has set a goal to create 40,000 jobs in gaming and esports by 2030.
At the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s esports push is the Saudi Esports Federation, the governing body responsible for promoting and regulating esports activities in the country. The Federation is led by HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al-Saud, who also serves on the Board of the Global Esports Federation. The Federation has already made historic waves in esports and gaming. In March 2023, the Federation-organized Gamers8 tournament in Riyadh concluded with a $45 million total prize pool, the largest in esports history, drawing competitors across various games from around the world. In summer 2024, the inaugural Esports World Cup will take place in Riyadh with an even greater prize pool, replacing Gamers8.
A key player in the Saudi esports landscape is Savvy Games, a major game developer wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Led by former Activision executive Brian Ward, the company has recently completed a string of high-profile acquisitions, most notably its $4.9 billion acquisition of U.S.-based mobile game developer Scopely. In addition, the PIF has acquired minority stakes in Electronic Arts, Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive, and other global industry leaders.
Saudi Arabia is actively seeking investments in esports infrastructure such as high-speed internet connectivity, arenas, gaming centers, and training academies. In 2024, UAE-based True Gamers announced plans to build over 150 cutting-edge gaming lounges by 2030, complete with the latest video game consoles, simulators, an expansive game library, and other amenities. Additionally, there is significant potential in the Saudi esports sector for related services and products like merchandise, broadcasting, and sponsorships. The SEF also plans to support professional gamers with post-career education and job training.
While the esports sector in Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages, the government’s strategic focus and investments, combined with a young and enthusiastic population, position the Kingdom as a promising market for growth and innovation in this rapidly expanding industry.
