Sports & Competition
From grassroots competitions to global industry: The evolution of esports | CNN
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, July 22nd 2025 at 5:44 GMT by CNN🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, has been at the forefront of the sport since its infancy.
From Grassroots Competitions to Global Industry: Saudi Arabia's Esports Revolution
In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a digital revolution is unfolding, transforming Saudi Arabia from a newcomer in the world of competitive gaming to a formidable force on the global esports stage. What began as informal gatherings of passionate gamers in local cafes and community centers has evolved into a thriving industry, backed by strategic investments, visionary leadership, and a burgeoning talent pool. This journey, spearheaded by the Saudi Esports Federation, exemplifies how a nation can harness the power of esports to foster innovation, empower youth, and position itself as a key player in the international entertainment landscape.
The roots of Saudi esports trace back to the early 2010s, when video games were primarily a leisure activity among the kingdom's tech-savvy youth. Informal tournaments, often organized through social media and online forums, drew small crowds of enthusiasts competing in popular titles like FIFA, Call of Duty, and League of Legends. These grassroots events were more than just games; they were social hubs where friendships formed, skills were honed, and dreams of professional gaming took shape. Participants recall the excitement of those early days, where makeshift setups in homes or internet cafes served as battlegrounds, and prizes were as modest as bragging rights or small cash pools crowdfunded by the community.
As interest surged, the need for structure became evident. Enter the Saudi Esports Federation, established in 2017 under the umbrella of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. This organization marked a pivotal shift, providing a formal framework to nurture talent and elevate the scene. The federation's early initiatives focused on building infrastructure, including training programs, national leagues, and partnerships with international gaming bodies. One of the first major milestones was the launch of the Saudi Electronic Sports League, which standardized competitions and offered pathways for amateurs to turn pro. This grassroots-to-professional pipeline has been instrumental in identifying and developing homegrown talent, with many players now competing on world stages.
The federation's approach is holistic, emphasizing not just competition but also education and community building. Programs like esports academies integrate gaming with life skills, teaching discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking. For instance, workshops on game design, content creation, and event management equip participants with transferable skills for careers beyond gaming. This educational focus aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the kingdom's blueprint for economic diversification and social reform, which views esports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and job creation. By investing in these areas, the federation is creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports players, coaches, analysts, and even broadcasters.
A turning point came with the introduction of high-profile events that put Saudi esports on the global map. The Gamers8 festival, first held in 2022, stands out as a landmark initiative. Dubbed the "Esports World Cup" in its expanded form, this annual extravaganza attracts top teams and players from around the world, offering multimillion-dollar prize pools across multiple titles. The event's scale is staggering: sprawling venues in Riyadh host live audiences, while millions tune in via streams. Beyond the competitions, Gamers8 features concerts, tech expos, and fan zones, blending esports with entertainment to appeal to a broader audience. This fusion has not only boosted tourism but also showcased Saudi Arabia's modern, vibrant side to international visitors.
The success of such events is underpinned by substantial investments. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, has poured resources into esports ventures, including stakes in global companies like Activision Blizzard and Electronic Arts. These moves are strategic, aiming to integrate the kingdom into the global supply chain of gaming. Domestically, partnerships with tech giants have led to the development of state-of-the-art arenas and training facilities. The Boulevard Riyadh City, for example, has become a hub for esports, equipped with high-speed internet, advanced simulators, and immersive VR setups. These infrastructures ensure that Saudi players have access to world-class resources, leveling the playing field against established esports powerhouses like South Korea, China, and the United States.
Talent development remains at the core of this growth. The federation's national team program scouts promising gamers through regional qualifiers, providing them with coaching from international experts. Success stories abound: players like Mosaad "Msdossary" Al-Dossary, who won the FIFA eWorld Cup in 2018, have become national heroes, inspiring a new generation. Women's participation is also on the rise, with dedicated leagues and initiatives promoting gender inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated field. These efforts are breaking barriers, with female teams competing in titles like Valorant and Overwatch, fostering a more diverse esports community.
Economically, the impact is profound. Esports is projected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia's non-oil GDP, creating thousands of jobs in areas such as event production, marketing, and software development. The industry attracts foreign investment and talent, positioning the kingdom as a Middle Eastern hub for gaming innovation. Collaborations with global organizations, including the International Esports Federation, enhance credibility and open doors to international tournaments. Saudi teams have already made waves, securing podium finishes in events like the PUBG Mobile Global Championship and the League of Legends World Championship qualifiers.
Looking ahead, the Saudi Esports Federation envisions an even brighter future. Plans include expanding the Gamers8 model to include more disciplines, such as mobile gaming and emerging technologies like augmented reality. There's a push for esports to be recognized in educational curricula, potentially integrating it into schools as an extracurricular activity. International outreach is key, with ambitions to host the Esports Olympics or similar global events. Sustainability is another focus, with initiatives to promote eco-friendly practices in gaming events, such as reducing carbon footprints through virtual competitions.
Challenges persist, of course. Balancing rapid growth with cultural sensitivities, ensuring fair play amid concerns over gaming addiction, and maintaining competitive integrity are ongoing priorities. Yet, the federation's proactive stance—through regulations, awareness campaigns, and ethical guidelines—demonstrates a commitment to responsible development.
In essence, Saudi Arabia's esports journey from grassroots competitions to a global industry is a testament to ambition and innovation. It's a story of young dreamers turning pixels into professions, of a nation leveraging technology to redefine its identity. As the kingdom continues to invest in this dynamic sector, it not only entertains but also inspires, proving that in the world of esports, the next big player could emerge from anywhere—even the deserts of Arabia. This evolution is more than a game; it's a cultural and economic powerhouse shaping the future.
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