Saudi Arabia is set to make a significant mark in the world of esports by hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This milestone event is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, the country's ambitious roadmap for economic diversification, global engagement, and enhanced quality of life.
Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, expressed his optimism about the growing appeal of esports among the younger generation during an interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi. \"We are now in a time that every generation born doesn't know a world without esports,\" Prince Faisal remarked. \"Unlike us who had to learn about gaming, had to learn about esports, these young men and women that are coming up today are gamers by nature.\"
The Prince highlighted that even traditional athletes are embracing gaming, citing examples like football players engaging with EAFC and basketball players participating in NBA 2K. This crossover between traditional sports and esports underscores the universal appeal and integration of gaming in modern athletic training and leisure.
In addition to national efforts, Saudi Arabia is fostering international collaboration to enhance its esports ecosystem. The country has partnered with the China Media Group (CMG), which established the CMG National Institute for Esports Development in Beijing this July. This partnership includes a strategic cooperation agreement with the Esports World Cup Federation of Saudi Arabia and Chinese-based esports company VSPO. Together, they aim to organize and participate in future esports events, bringing together top talent and fostering mutual growth.
Prince Faisal emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, stating, \"We are not looking to recreate the wheel. We want to make sure we understand what is happening around the world, what are the best players out there, how can we collaborate and work together and be a good partner to make sure that we are both growing in the best way possible.\" This collaborative approach ensures that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the esports industry, leveraging global expertise to drive domestic growth.
The launch of the Olympic Esports Games is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to embracing emerging trends and positioning itself as a global leader in the rapidly evolving world of digital sports.
Reference(s):
Saudi Esports Federation Chief: Young generation are gamers by nature
cgtn.com
