Industry leaders set for New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh

Industry leaders set for New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh
Joe Marsh, CEO, T1 Entertainment & Sports, will be one of the keynote speakers at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 17 August 2024
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Industry leaders set for New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh

Industry leaders set for New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh
  • ‘MENA region, particularly Saudi Arabia, is rapidly becoming a global hub for gaming and esports,’ says Niko Partners CEO

RIYADH: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, themed “The Future of Fandom,” is set to host more than 60 global speakers and over 750 global delegates from industries such as esports, technology, sports, entertainment and business on Aug. 24-25 in Riyadh.

Ahead of the event, key industry figures shared their thoughts on the topics that will be discussed at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Joe Marsh, CEO of T1 Entertainment & Sports, highlighted the importance of the conference — which takes place at the end of the Esports World Cup — in shaping the future of esports.

“Attending the New Global Sport Conference is an opportunity to shape the future of esports in the here and now. As a gamer my entire life, this year’s theme of ‘The Future of Fandom’ strongly resonates,” he said.

“What does it mean to be an esports fan in the modern era? And how do we as an industry ensure that our teams and players are given the optimum chance to play in the tournaments and matches that the gaming world so strongly desires?

“The New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh provides a convergence of innovation, passion, collaboration and excellence — a place where ideas are exchanged, and new paradigms are set.”

Lisa Cosmas Hanson, CEO, Niko Partners, highlighted the position of Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region within the gaming and esports industry.

“The MENA region, particularly Saudi Arabia, is rapidly becoming a global hub for gaming and esports,” she said.

“It is one of the fastest-growing video games markets that Niko Partners tracks, driven by a young, tech-savvy population, strong government support and robust investment in infrastructure.

“We are seeing more companies recognize the importance of MENA and implement a localized strategy to succeed in the region. I’m excited to attend the New Global Sport Conference to explore key themes such as navigating growth in games and entertainment, and share our insights on the thriving MENA video games market.”

Meanwhile, Maya Rogers, CEO of The Tetris Company, expressed her enthusiasm at returning to the conference after attending its previous iteration, the Next World Forum.

“It’s an honor to participate at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh this year, with over 60 speakers and industry leaders and more than 750 delegates from across the globe,” she said.

“At the end of last year’s conference, I was energized by the speakers, information sharing and networking, and I am thrilled to not only participate again this year as a panelist, but also to see firsthand the result of Saudi Arabia’s continued investments and commitment to bringing esports to a whole new level.”


How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague

How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague
Updated 22 May 2025
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How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague

How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague
  • Newcomers clinched 4 titles across 9 tournaments, challenging established giants Twisted Minds and Team Falcons
  • Al-Qadsiah Esports rose to second place in elite rankings after victories in top titles

RIYADH: Al-Qadsiah Esports has made a powerful entrance into the 2025 Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom’s premier esports league organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena. With standout performances across multiple titles, Al-Qadsiah has quickly established itself as one of the strongest teams in the league, announcing loud and clear that they are not just taking part, but aiming to dominate.

In a blistering start to the 2025 Saudi eLeague season, which featured nine tournaments, Al-Qadsiah stormed through the field to seize four championship titles, sending a clear message to every club in the league. Their elite roster dominated Major 1 elite tournaments in EA SPORTS FC 25, Overwatch 2 and Valorant, showcasing talent, strategic depth and multi-genre versatility that few teams could match.

Further cementing their dominance, Al-Qadsiah Corals, the organization’s female team, secured their first title in Overwatch 2 Major 1 Female, defeating Twisted Minds Orchid in a dramatic 4–3 final, marking a milestone moment in the club’s growing legacy.

Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation said: “Al-Qadsiah Esports has delivered the kind of breakout performance that captures exactly what the Saudi eLeagues were built to showcase. Their rise isn’t just a win for the club, it’s a signal of how far local talent has come, and how fiercely it’s beginning to compete. The growth we’re witnessing across the league reflects a deeper ecosystem maturing fast. Our vision is to see more Saudi clubs not just show up, but rise, lead, and make their mark on both regional and global stages.”

Al-Qadsiah’s performance places them second on the Saudi eLeague Clubs Cross Game Leaderboard, positioned between two of the most dominant names in Saudi esports, with Twisted Minds holding the top spot and Team Falcons trailing in third. The breakout momentum from Al-Qadsiah signals a clear shift in the competitive balance of the Saudi eLeague, as a new wave of Saudi teams rise through the ranks, challenging the longstanding hierarchy and reshaping the competitive scene within the Kingdom.

With momentum building and eyes on the top spot, all signs point to Al-Qadsiah pushing for the throne.


ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
Updated 19 May 2025
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ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
  • Top Overwatch 2 squads compete for $20k prize and place in the global circuit

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning esports scene takes another significant step forward as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 kicks off, spotlighting the Kingdom’s top Overwatch 2 talent and offering a direct path to the Esports World Cup.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. But more than just the money is on the line — the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, a premier international circuit that feeds into the EWC.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a local tournament; it’s a strategic platform that offers players a genuine opportunity to reach the global stage,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president of Middle East and North Africa at ESL FACEIT Group. “As an official operating partner of the EWC, ESL FACEIT Group is committed to building professional pathways and empowering local talent to represent Saudi Arabia in the international esports scene.”

The initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to develop a sustainable esports ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming.

This year’s tournament will culminate with the grand final on May 30 at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where the top three teams from the May 13–16 playoffs will compete live in front of a home crowd.

With high stakes and international exposure on offer, the ESL Saudi Challenge has become a proving ground for players looking to make the leap from national heroes to global contenders.


Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG MOBILE unite to forge new era for Kingdom’s esports scene

Champion of PUBG MOBILE National Championship KSA will be sent to $3m PUBG MOBILE World Cup. supplied
Champion of PUBG MOBILE National Championship KSA will be sent to $3m PUBG MOBILE World Cup. supplied
Updated 30 April 2025
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Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG MOBILE unite to forge new era for Kingdom’s esports scene

Champion of PUBG MOBILE National Championship KSA will be sent to $3m PUBG MOBILE World Cup. supplied
  • Partnership creates unprecedented opportunities for Saudi players, fueling record participation
  • Champion of PUBG MOBILE National Championship KSA will be sent to $3m PUBG MOBILE World Cup

Riyadh: The Saudi Esports Federation, the national body of esports in the Kingdom, and PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, announced the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the Kingdom’s esports ecosystem.

The strategic alliance aligns PUBG MOBILE’s local community with the SEF’s national esports development objectives, and is expected to create unprecedented opportunities for Saudi players.

It integrates the PUBG MOBILE National Championship into the SEF’s Saudi eLeague, making it the main PUBG MOBILE competition within the national circuit. This alignment strengthens the SEF’s grassroots-to-pro structure and embeds PMNC as a core component of Saudi Arabia’s official esports calendar.

The MoU has already yielded record-breaking results, further streamlining the pathway from amateur to professional for aspiring Saudi players.

In addition to PMNC’s role, the partnership encompasses broader development through the SEF Academy and university leagues — ensuring a structured and sustainable talent pipeline for PUBG MOBILE players in Saudi Arabia.

And as a direct consequence of the collaboration, the champion of PMNC KSA, held within SEL, will now earn a coveted spot to compete at the prestigious PUBG MOBILE World Cup, held as part of the Esports World Cup later this year.

The PMWC boasts a staggering $3 million prize pool, solidifying its position as one of the most sought-after global PUBG MOBILE tournaments, with the opportunity representing a monumental step for Saudi players by offering them a chance to showcase their skills on the world stage and to compete for a life-changing prize.

“Through strategic collaborations with leading titles such as PUBG MOBILE, we are expanding opportunities for our players, building sustainable pathways to international competition, and accelerating the development of a dynamic and thriving esports ecosystem,” said Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, president of the federation.

“We are proud to see Saudi talent rise to the global stage and look forward to inspiring future generations to pursue esports excellence,” he added.

Vincent Wang, head of PUBG MOBILE Publishing, Tencent Games, said that PUBG MOBILE “is deeply committed to fostering the growth of esports in Saudi Arabia, and this MoU with the Saudi Esports Federation is a testament to that commitment.

“We are thrilled to provide the Kingdom’s players a clear pathway to the global stage, starting with the PMNC KSA champion’s journey to the PUBG MOBILE World Cup. We believe this partnership will unlock the immense potential of Saudi esports and inspire a new generation of champions,” he added.

The impact of the partnership is already clear, with PMNC KSA witnessing record-breaking player registrations, surpassing all previous PUBG MOBILE tournaments in the Kingdom.

“By embedding PUBG MOBILE into our structured leagues and talent development programs, we are enabling players to compete at a professional standard from an early stage,” said Meshal Al-Qabbani, executive director of esports at the Saudi Esports Federation. “We look forward to witnessing a new wave of Saudi talent rise through the ranks and achieve international success through this historic collaboration.”

The surge in players highlights the growing enthusiasm for PUBG MOBILE esports in Saudi Arabia, as well as the strength of the collaboration between PUBG MOBILE and the SEF.

The MoU announcement coincides with the culmination of PMNC KSA, where the champion will be crowned, awarded $26,000 and have their ticket to the PMWC metaphorically punched.


Esports World Cup 2025 features $70m prize pool, 25 tournaments and global club showdown in Riyadh

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Updated 23 April 2025
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Esports World Cup 2025 features $70m prize pool, 25 tournaments and global club showdown in Riyadh

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
  • A $27 million share of the prize pool is allocated to the EWC Club Championship
  • Team Falcons won the 2024 title with 5,665 points and three tournament wins

Riyadh: The Esports World Cup Foundation has finalized the full lineup of games, tournament schedule and club championship rules for the Esports World Cup 2025, the world’s largest electronic sports event, scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24.

It will feature 200 clubs, 2,000 players, 25 tournaments across 24 titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of more than $70 million — the largest in e-sports history.

Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the event includes established and newly added games such as Valorant, Crossfire, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and chess. Competitions will be held at four dedicated arenas, with select titles offering last chance qualifiers during the opening EWC Festival. Finals will be held on weekends to maximize viewership and reduce schedule conflicts.

A $27 million share of the prize pool is allocated to the EWC Club Championship, which awards points for top-eight finishes and tournament wins. To win the title, a club must place in the top eight in at least two tournaments and win at least one. Joint ventures between organizations are ineligible, with all teams required to compete under a single name.

Game-specific tournaments will distribute more than $38 million in prizes, while MVPs will be awarded from a $450,000 pool. The club champion will be crowned during the closing ceremony on Aug. 24.

Team Falcons won the 2024 title with 5,665 points and three tournament wins, ahead of Team Liquid and Team BDS. Other top performers included Gaimin Gladiators, T1, Virtus.pro, Team Vitality, Gen.G, LOUD, and Twisted Minds. Tickets for EWC 2025 are now available.


The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions

The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions
Updated 21 April 2025
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The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions

The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions
  • Events will highlight Saudi Arabia’s role in the e-sports world and its alignment with Vision 2030
  • ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences

RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading e-sports company, has announced the return of the ESL Saudi Challenge for 2025, with two editions confirmed for May and December.

The expansion is part of EFG’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

Kicking off the 2025 season, the first round of open qualifiers will take place on April 24-26, followed by a second round scheduled for May 1-3. The competition will then advance to the playoffs on May 7-8 and 14-15, culminating in a live grand final at VOV Gaming on May 30.

The ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences.

“What’s happening in the Kingdom today sets the tone for the future of global e-sports.” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president for the MENA region at EFG. “We’re witnessing a generation of players with world-class potential. The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than a tournament, it’s a launchpad — a gateway that connects Saudi talent to the global esports arena. For the industry, this isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a turning point.”

Each 2025 edition of the tournament will spotlight Overwatch 2 as its flagship title, with a $20,000 prize pool and offering winners a direct path to global competitions. This year’s grand finals will culminate in a live showdown, bringing the region’s top talent to the big stage.