Saudi Arabia is aiming to become a global hub for gaming and esports by hosting the first Esports Olympic Games next year. The country has been investing heavily in the gaming industry since the launch of the Saudi Vision in 2016. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, highlighted the importance of creating a gaming and esports authority with a national strategy to facilitate conversations between the public and private sectors to achieve this goal. The recent Esports World Cup event in Saudi Arabia brought in 2 million visitors and around 500 million online, with a $60 million prize pool funded by the government.
The event was attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, demonstrating the country’s commitment to putting Saudi Arabia on the map as a destination for gaming enthusiasts. Al Saud expressed his desire for Saudi Arabia to be recognized alongside countries like Japan, South Korea, America, and Canada in the global gaming conversation. The country aims to become a prominent player in the esports industry and attract tourists interested in gaming. The decision to host the Esports Olympic Games is part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the gaming world.
While specific details about the event, such as dates and games to be played, are yet to be announced, Saudi Arabia has confirmed that it will host the Esports Olympic Games next year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia have signed a 12-year deal for the event to be held regularly in the country. This partnership signifies the growing recognition of esports as a mainstream form of entertainment with a global audience. By hosting the Esports Olympic Games, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract gamers and esports enthusiasts from around the world to experience the country’s gaming culture and industry.
The Esports Olympic Games are expected to showcase the best of the gaming world, with top players from different countries competing for glory. The event will provide a platform for the gaming community to come together and celebrate the rapidly growing industry. Saudi Arabia’s focus on esports reflects a larger trend of countries recognizing the economic and cultural significance of gaming. By investing in the gaming industry and hosting international events like the Esports Olympic Games, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a leader in the global gaming landscape. The country’s commitment to esports demonstrates its willingness to embrace new technologies and trends in order to attract a new generation of tourists and visitors interested in gaming and esports.
As preparations for the Esports Olympic Games continue, Saudi Arabia is gearing up to welcome players, fans, and industry professionals from around the world. The event is expected to draw significant attention and showcase the country’s dedication to building a world-class gaming industry. By providing a platform for top gamers to compete on an international stage, Saudi Arabia hopes to elevate its status in the global gaming community. The Esports Olympic Games will not only attract tourists interested in esports but also position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the ever-growing gaming industry. With the IOC and NOC’s support, the event will likely become a regular fixture on the esports calendar, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts.
