Esports is big business.
For those not in the know, esports is a booming industry where skilled gamers play competitively. In much the same way that traditional sports such as football or basketball compete, individuals and teams battle it out to be the best.
The history of esports
Esports has become a billion-dollar industry accelerated by the likes of popular platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. While esports as it is currently known today is relatively new, competitive gaming has actually been around since 1972. Eight years later in 1980, the first Space Invaders competition in the United States took place with 10,000 participants. Later, Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat tournaments took place, which opened the door to Call of Duty, Halo and later Fortnite competitions to happen in recent times.
Today, the popularity of esports is undeniable. With a global audience of approximately 540 million, it is becoming an increasingly dominant force across the world.
And naturally, it has also become a huge hit in Saudi too.
Muflih AlSubaie is the Executive Director of Procurement at Saudi Esports Federation and has worked within the procurement function at the organisation since September 2020.
Saudi Esports boom
The Saudi Esports Federation is the governing body responsible for developing the esports sector and community in the Kingdom. The Federation also oversees the nurturing of Saudi esports talent, ranging from community-level players to those who can achieve international excellence. Since its establishment in late 2017, the Federation has organised numerous local and international tournaments at the highest standards. It has attracted significant private sector investments within the Kingdom and worked with international developers to enhance local content.
Saudi is a country with a majority of youth, an active gaming community, great infrastructure, an ambitious population, and rich history that is at the centre of the world. Saudi Esports is an expert in gaming and esports that is coordinating government action, guiding investors, and providing gamers with platforms to compete and socialise.
The Federation is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia. The Federation’s activities are split into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes that can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming and esports value chain by catalysing the industry and enabling talent.
