As of July 14, Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh will host the eight weeks long Gamers8 gaming tournament, one of the world’s biggest esports tournaments, that the Kingdom is launching with a total prize pool of $15 million.
Situated in the entertainment district Boulevard Riyadh City, the purpose-built gaming venue will host competitions in six different video games, as well as a series of music concerts and other performances.
The tournament, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and the charity organization Gamers Without Borders, which donates to causes including COVID-19 relief and vaccination efforts, there will also be a gaming summit featuring international experts from the industry.
Founded in 2017, the Saudi Esports Federation has organized several national and international gaming tournaments.
Although the full lineup has not yet been released, Gamers8 organizers said in a statement that eight international artists have already confirmed their appearances at Gamers8, that will also include a number of local performers – magicians, comedians, and musicians. with
The full lineup of entertainers is due to be announced on its official website and Gamers8 will be broadcast live online.
Pointing out that the passion for gaming has long been a source of pride for Saudis, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, underlined that considering the estimated 23.5 million gamers, almost every home in the Kingdom has someone with a deep passion for gaming said.
As part of the wider effort to diversify the oil-dependent economy, the Saudi government has offered significant support to the industry in Saudi Arabia, which has ballooned in recent years.
According to market researcher Niko Partners, Saudi’s gaming market reached $1 billion in 2021, the highest value among Gulf countries, AFP reported.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported in January that the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched the Savvy Gaming Group, which has acquired ESL Gaming and FACEIT.
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