KSA Esports & Gaming Insights 2025

A Pillar of Vision 2030

Launched in 2022 under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the National Gaming and Esports Strategy sets out an ambitious goal: position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and competitive esports.

By 2030, this sector is expected to contribute US $ 13.3 billion (SAR 50 billion) to national GDP, establish 250 new gaming companies, and create over 39,000 jobs — all while enhancing quality of life and inspiring new generations of digital entrepreneurs.

As HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, noted:

“Gaming revenues are bigger than film, TV, and music combined. The growth potential is huge, the youth engagement is huge, and the future of esports is bright.”

A Nation of Gamers

With 23.5 million active gamers — around 67 % of the population — Saudi Arabia represents one of the world’s most engaged audiences. Internet penetration exceeds 90 %, and 42 % of gamers are women, showcasing the inclusivity of the Kingdom’s digital ecosystem.

Female participation in esports is already at 18 %, and rising, fueled by a generation eager to compete, stream, and innovate. Over 30 globally recognized titles now feature in local tournaments, supported by state-of-the-art venues such as the Qiddiya City Esports Arena — set to become an international landmark.

Government-Backed Momentum

Saudi Arabia’s gaming surge is far from accidental. A comprehensive institutional framework powers its ascent:

• NGES – a unified, government-led blueprint driving policy and investment.

• Savvy Gaming Group (PIF) – deploying billions worldwide to build ownership in leading studios, publishers, and esports IP.

• National Development Fund – financing start-ups and grassroots accelerators.

• Saudi Esports Federation – cultivating local talent and hosting record-breaking competitions.

• Gaming & Esports Authority – regulating standards and ensuring sustainable growth

Together, these bodies are transforming Saudi Arabia into “the world’s gaming capital in the making.”

Global Stage: Esports World Cup 2025

The Esports World Cup 2025 showcased the scale of this transformation:

• 340 million hours watched

• 2,500 matches across multiple titles

• $ 70 million in prizes — one of the largest pools in esports history

The event not only crowned Team Falcons as global champions but also reaffirmed Riyadh’s position as a global esports epicenter, uniting developers, publishers, and fans from every continent

The Future Is Happening Now

Saudi Arabia’s vision for the next decade extends far beyond gameplay. It seeks to:

• Unite global and local communities through world-class events

• Localize global AAA studios and foster regional IP creation

• Build best-in-class infrastructure, both digital and physical

• Develop local talent into world-class professionals

• Attract foreign investment via incentives and public-private partnerships

This ecosystem is set to redefine how the world experiences gaming — not merely as leisure, but as a strategic growth engine for the new digital economy.