Esports is rapidly becoming a bridge between nations, and Saudi Arabia and China are at the forefront of this digital revolution. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and President of the International Esports Federation, recently highlighted the pivotal role esports plays in strengthening ties between the two nations during the launch of the Esports Asian Champions League organized by VSPO.
In an insightful interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi, Prince Faisal emphasized the innovative blend of online and offline esports tournaments. \"The innovation here is how we bring these two worlds together, connecting a region that is arguably the most advanced in esports with some of the best players globally,\" he explained.
Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in esports infrastructure, hosting major events like the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh and investing $265 million in Shanghai-based VSPO through the Savvy Games Group in 2023. These efforts have not only elevated the local esports scene but also fostered significant cooperation with Chinese clubs, which have excelled in various international competitions for nearly a decade.
Prince Faisal believes that esports goes beyond just competition. \"Esports bridges gaps between ministries of sport, athletes, and major events like the Asian Games and the Olympics. It also enhances fan engagement and tourism,\" he stated. The impact is tangible, with over 100,000 Chinese tourists visiting Saudi Arabia in 2023 for esports events and 30,000 Saudis exploring China, numbers that Saudi Arabia aims to significantly increase.
By creating immersive experiences through online arenas and integrating advanced technologies like VR, AR, and XR, the Esports Asian Champions League is set to revolutionize how fans engage with esports. This not only provides a platform for national teams to compete but also fosters cultural exchange and mutual interest, laying the groundwork for deeper bilateral relations.
As esports continues to grow, Saudi Arabia and China are poised to lead the charge in using digital platforms to enhance international cooperation and cultural understanding, proving that the future of global relations may very well be in the virtual arenas of competitive gaming.
Reference(s):
Saudi esports chief: Esports enhance ties between Saudi Arabia, China
cgtn.com
