Saudi Arabia has emerged as a prominent player in the sports and entertainment sectors, capturing attention with a range of high-profile events. One standout occasion was the heavyweight professional boxing clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua, held at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Sports City Stadium last summer. This event showcased the country’s ability to host major sports events with finesse. Additionally, Al Nassr, a powerhouse in Saudi soccer, achieved a significant milestone by recruiting global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, illustrating the growing stature of the Saudi Pro League.
Not only does Saudi Arabia invest heavily in traditional sports, but it has also made significant strides in the realm of eSports. The country has emerged as a prominent gaming hub in the Middle East, second only to the UAE. However, Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the eSports arena extend far beyond regional dominance; it aspires to become the ultimate global destination for eSports.The Saudi eSports market has garnered close attention from the sports team at Arabicbet.org, disclosing a significant annual increase in the number of players, numbering in the thousands.
Government Backing: A Key Pillar of Saudi eSports Growth
The Saudi government has shown strong support for the eSports industry through strategic alliances with renowned firms like Riot Games and Anubis Gaming. These collaborations aim to enhance the gaming infrastructure for Saudi players, with initiatives such as the introduction of Call of Duty servers through a partnership between Activision Publishing, Inc. and the Saudi Telecom Company. Additionally, the Saudi government has made notable acquisitions in the video game industry, acquiring a 95% stake in SNK Playmore and a 5% stake in Nintendo. This commitment highlights their dedication to advancing the gaming landscape in the region.
The Top Earners Among Saudi Gamers
Rainbow Six Siege has proven to be a lucrative venture for Saudi eSports enthusiasts, racking up earnings close to $1.4 million. It’s noteworthy that six out of the top 15 highest-earning gamers in Saudi Arabia are deeply engaged in this tactical shooter game. One standout player, AbdulMohsen “Okilz” Saloum, has successfully amassed over $130,000 through his exploits in Rainbow Six Siege.
Next up is Rakan “Madskills” Alghamdi, a skilled eSports player who has earned over $100,000. Also hailing from Saudi Arabia is Aldossay “MSdossary7” Mossad, the top-earning eSports player in the country with an impressive total earnings of over $640,000.
However, claiming the title of the highest-earning Saudi player is Cuyler “Huke” Garland, who has garnered just under $750,000 from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. It’s important to note that although Huke holds this distinction, he now resides in the United States, thus contextualizing his achievements.
In Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s trajectory in the sports and entertainment sectors, especially in eSports, showcases its ambitious approach and growing influence on the global stage. The nation has firmly established itself as a gaming hub in the Middle East, with its players gaining recognition worldwide. With unwavering support from the government and strategic partnerships with industry leaders, Saudi Arabia aims to ascend to the pinnacle of eSports and become the ultimate eSports destination worldwide.
