Saudi Arabia Esports: $38B Investment & Gaming Ambitions
Saudi Arabia is making a massive play for esports domination,pouring $38 billion into becoming a global gaming hub by 2030. The upcoming esports World Cup, with a $70 million prize pool, is a cornerstone of this enterprising strategy. News Directory 3 reports on the kingdom’s strategic acquisitions and infrastructure investments, including Neom and qiddiya City, designed to attract millions of visitors. Discover what’s next as Saudi Arabia reshapes the esports landscape.
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Saudi Arabia Aims for Esports Domination with world Cup
Updated june 09, 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is positioning itself as a major player in the global esports industry. The upcoming Esports world Cup (EWC), a seven-week tournament starting July 8, highlights the nation’s ambition.With a staggering $70 million prize pool, the EWC is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
the strategy aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and esports by 2030. Mike McCabe, head of the EWC Foundation, emphasized the importance of gamesmanship throughout the event. He described a unique trophy system where winning teams receive a centerpiece for their trophy, while losing teams face a less celebratory fate.
Saudi Arabia’s push into esports is part of a broader change, shifting from a historically insular kingdom to a tourist destination aiming for 150 million annual visitors. This initiative includes integrating gaming into ambitious construction projects like Neom and Qiddiya City.
Ahmad Muhaimin bin Abd Razak (Minbappe) of Team Malaysia celebrates against India’s team during the Fifae World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024.
(Joosep Martinson / Fifa Via Getty Images)
Beyond hosting tournaments, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in gaming infrastructure and progress. Neom aims to be a premier gaming hub with advanced facilities, while Qiddiya City plans an esports district with arenas and headquarters for gaming companies.
The kingdom’s investment extends globally through Savvy Gaming Group, which has acquired significant stakes in companies like Electronic Sports League, Scopely, Nintendo, Activision, Take-Two Interactive, and Electronic Arts. This has made Saudi Arabia a dominant force in the esports industry, notably as other regions face economic challenges.
Gaming is huge everywhere, but it’s huge on a different level here
— Mike McCabe, esports expert, on gaming in Saudi Arabia
However, these investments have drawn criticism, with some accusing Saudi Arabia of “games washing” to distract from its human rights record. Despite these concerns,the kingdom’s commitment