In the realm of competitive gaming, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a powerhouse, spearheading the rapid development of the esports industry within its borders. With the hosting of prestigious international tournaments like Gamers8 and Riyadh Masters, offering multi-million dollar prize pools, Saudi Arabia has firmly established its presence on the global esports stage. However, it is not just the grand spectacles that contribute to the country's success. A closer look at the domestic scene reveals the pivotal role played by the Saudi eLeague in nurturing and propelling the growth of esports within Saudi Arabia.

Saudi eLeague and the Evolution of Esports in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi eLeague, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, has been a key driving force behind the burgeoning esports landscape in the country since its inception in 2020. The ongoing 2023 season, which commenced on March 5 and concludes on July 5, features six tournaments spanning popular titles such as PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch, and Valorant. These tournaments boast a combined prize pool of $100,000, thanks to the generous support of prominent companies like Savvy Gaming Group, Mastercard, and STC. Notably, the Saudi eLeague sets itself apart by hosting its tournaments in a LAN format at the state-of-the-art Saudi Esports Arena, offering a comfortable and professional ecosystem for participants. This infrastructure is a testament to Saudi Arabia's commitment to providing an optimal environment for esports growth.

While the Saudi eLeague primarily showcases local talent, it has also attracted teams from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even some European nations. The allure of comparatively lower competition and lucrative prize pools has enticed both players and support staff, including coaches and analysts, to converge on the region. This influx of international participation has fostered a valuable exchange of experience, elevating the competitive prowess of local teams on the global stage.

Among the tournaments held so far in the Saudi eLeague 2023 season, the PUBG Mobile competition has garnered significant attention. Twisted Minds emerged victorious, claiming the top prize of $32,000 and securing a spot in the prestigious PUBG Mobile World Invitational 2023. With over 80.6K Hours Watched and 6.5K Peak Viewers, the PUBG Mobile tournament has become a fan favorite, capturing the enthusiasm of esports enthusiasts across Saudi Arabia.

While the Saudi eLeague tournaments continue to witness a gradual rise in viewership, they have yet to attain the same level of global popularity and reach as premier international championships. However, certain games within the Saudi eLeague, such as PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, and Rocket League, have garnered a loyal fan base. On the other hand, Dota 2, CS:GO, and Rainbow Six Siege leagues attract relatively fewer viewers, as local fans prefer to follow larger tournaments within the Gamers8 series, featuring world-class teams.

Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia remains firmly committed to the growth of esports. This summer, the kingdom will host the highly anticipated Gamers8 festival, dedicated to esports and interactive entertainment. The event will feature various tournaments, boasting a staggering total prize pool of $45 million. With disciplines like CS:GO, PUBG Mobile, Dota 2, Fortnite, Rocket League, and Tekken, the festival is set to captivate both local and international audiences alike. Notably, the Dota 2 tournament alone will award a whopping $15 million, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's place in the global esports landscape.