PARIS: The International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
The international Olympic body unanimously endorsed the proposal by the executive board during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris.
The Saudi Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “Thanks to Vision 2030, introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, esports in Saudi Arabia already have a rich past, an exciting present and a promising future.
“And the reason why, is the same reason why we are investing across all sports — our young people. Our commitment to esports is simply a reflection of the world our young people live in, and we now all have the chance to write new Olympic history together: The chance to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world.”
Saudis believe that taking part in the Olympics is the ultimate honor for any athlete, he said, adding: “That is why we are committed to providing the ultimate platform for new heroes to perform, and for the Olympic spirit to be shared.
“Together we all share the prospect of instilling Olympic values in new and innovative ways. And we look forward to welcoming the global esports community to the Kingdom in 2025.”
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This is truly a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.
“The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people.”
He stressed that the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia will bring great, if not unique, experience in the field of esports to the project.
He said: “This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values.”
The IOC has been engaging with esports since 2018 in a holistic way. This culminated in the organization of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023. The IOC president then asked the IOC Esports Commission at the 141st IOC Session in India, in October 2023, to look into the creation of the Olympic Esports Games.
The commission, under the leadership of IOC member David Lappartient, devised a project which addressed the interests of the esports community while respecting Olympic values.
IOC member Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, who is also a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and president of the Women’s Committee, said: “We have been at the very heart of the esports industry for many years.
“We see that hosting the Olympic Esports Games in 2025 is a natural next step in our journey of opening up Saudi Arabia to the world, and the world to Saudi.”
Prince Abdulaziz and Princess Reema presented the project together to the IOC session.
In the last two years, through major international tournaments, including the inaugural Esports World Cup, Saudi Arabia has hosted over 1,700 elite players from more than 80 countries.
Further underlining its hosting credentials, esports events in Saudi Arabia have welcomed nearly 4 million fans to enjoy the live experience in the Kingdom, with a further 1.3 billion views from across the globe on a variety of streaming platforms.
Work will now begin on selecting a city and venue for the Olympic Esports Games, with the timing of the event, the titles to be included, the qualification process for the players, and further details to be analyzed.
The IOC will also create a new dedicated structure within its organization, clearly separated from the organizational and financial model for the Olympic Games.
In order to address the specific nature of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC will also take a different approach with regard to the financing and organization of the event.
The IOC has emphasized that international federations already engaged in an e-version of their sport, that is considered for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games, will be its first go-to partners.
The same will be true for National Olympic Committees that already include esports in their activities.
First edition of Olympic Esports Games to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025
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First edition of Olympic Esports Games to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025
- Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal says: ‘We look forward to welcoming the global esports community to the Kingdom in 2025’
- IOC President Thomas Bach says the NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great, if not unique, experience to the project
Esports World Cup 2025 features $70m prize pool, 25 tournaments and global club showdown in Riyadh
- A $27 million share of the prize pool is allocated to the EWC Club Championship
- Team Falcons won the 2024 title with 5,665 points and three tournament wins
Riyadh: The Esports World Cup Foundation has finalized the full lineup of games, tournament schedule and club championship rules for the Esports World Cup 2025, the world’s largest electronic sports event, scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24.
It will feature 200 clubs, 2,000 players, 25 tournaments across 24 titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of more than $70 million — the largest in e-sports history.
Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, the event includes established and newly added games such as Valorant, Crossfire, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and chess. Competitions will be held at four dedicated arenas, with select titles offering last chance qualifiers during the opening EWC Festival. Finals will be held on weekends to maximize viewership and reduce schedule conflicts.
A $27 million share of the prize pool is allocated to the EWC Club Championship, which awards points for top-eight finishes and tournament wins. To win the title, a club must place in the top eight in at least two tournaments and win at least one. Joint ventures between organizations are ineligible, with all teams required to compete under a single name.
Game-specific tournaments will distribute more than $38 million in prizes, while MVPs will be awarded from a $450,000 pool. The club champion will be crowned during the closing ceremony on Aug. 24.
Team Falcons won the 2024 title with 5,665 points and three tournament wins, ahead of Team Liquid and Team BDS. Other top performers included Gaimin Gladiators, T1, Virtus.pro, Team Vitality, Gen.G, LOUD, and Twisted Minds. Tickets for EWC 2025 are now available.
The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions
- Events will highlight Saudi Arabia’s role in the e-sports world and its alignment with Vision 2030
- ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences
RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading e-sports company, has announced the return of the ESL Saudi Challenge for 2025, with two editions confirmed for May and December.
The expansion is part of EFG’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
Kicking off the 2025 season, the first round of open qualifiers will take place on April 24-26, followed by a second round scheduled for May 1-3. The competition will then advance to the playoffs on May 7-8 and 14-15, culminating in a live grand final at VOV Gaming on May 30.
The ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences.
“What’s happening in the Kingdom today sets the tone for the future of global e-sports.” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president for the MENA region at EFG. “We’re witnessing a generation of players with world-class potential. The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than a tournament, it’s a launchpad — a gateway that connects Saudi talent to the global esports arena. For the industry, this isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a turning point.”
Each 2025 edition of the tournament will spotlight Overwatch 2 as its flagship title, with a $20,000 prize pool and offering winners a direct path to global competitions. This year’s grand finals will culminate in a live showdown, bringing the region’s top talent to the big stage.
SEF arena inauguration heralds exciting new era for Saudi esports
- The state-of-the-art facility includes event halls, venues, the SEF Academy, workspaces and more
RIYADH: Esports in Saudi Arabia is set for an exciting new era following the official opening of the new SEF Arena.
The Saudi Esports Federation center in Boulevard World, Riyadh, is a state-of-the-art complex designed to revolutionize gaming and esports in the Kingdom.
Spanning 25,000 sq. meters, it boasts dedicated esports venues, event halls, the SEF Academy, SEF Studio and collaborative workspaces and is purpose-built to support every phase of a player’s journey from grassroots level to the international stage.
The inauguration is a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming the global capital for competitive gaming, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s accelerating digital economy.
Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of SEF, told Arab News that with the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision in esports, the federation was capable to thrive.
“This isn’t just a venue; it’s the beating heart of an ecosystem. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, and where champions are made. We want Saudi Arabia to be known as the ‘Land of Champions,’ a winning nation where talent is discovered, nurtured, and elevated to the world stage,” he said.
“We are lucky to have a sector strategy on a national level..with that strategy, it’s very ambitious and we have an infrastructure which enables us to achieve all these strategies…I compare it always with Silicon Valley for gamers”
At the heart of SEF’s vision is the gamer’s journey. Starting with the SEF’s School League, players can progress through a structured system that includes the SEF Academy, high-performance coaching, training, and mentorship, taking them from casual player to full-time professional.
Al-Fawzan added: “From watching Twitch streams at home to competing in the Saudi eLeagues and ultimately representing the Kingdom on the global stage, this is the structured journey we’ve built for our youth. It all starts right here, at the SEF Arena.”
The arena is also home to the Saudi eLeagues, where more than 2,800 active players compete across tournaments including the Saudi eLeague Elites, Saudi Women League, Saudi Fighting League and Saudi Challenger League, making it a year-round venue.
To support its mission of developing local talent, the SEF has signed groundbreaking Memoranda of Understanding with Saudi Arabia’s largest esports clubs and stakeholders — Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, R8, and The Ultimates, as well as Savvy.
These will help expand opportunities for Saudi players, creators and organizations across both local and global circuits, while also facilitating knowledge exchange and driving industry innovation.
Delivering a comprehensive and high-performance environment, the SEF Arena will deliver a comprehensive, high-performance environment, providing players, teams and publishers with the tools and infrastructure they need to thrive. With world-class training, live broadcasting capabilities, and immersive fan experiences, it sets a new standard for esports development.
Al-Fawzan said: “We are laying the foundation for the future of esports in Saudi Arabia. This is our legacy, our promise to the next generation of champions. Let’s make history, together.”
The opening comes three months before the start of the second Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
Musaad Aldossary, co-founder and chairman at Falcons Esports, said the SEF Arena’s facilities will help all esports players flourish in the game.
“The experience that the players play in high level facilities and infrastructure will help them match in any global facility…For us it’s always helpful whenever there’s multiple tournaments, multiple teams, and multiple players because then we will have options and the best players will hopefully land in Falcons.”
Rawan Albutairi, chief of partnerships and corporate affairs at Saudi Esports Federation, highlighted the impact of women in esports, which make up almost 49 percent of youth gamers.
“We want to convert that percentage into real elite players and again… Availing platform for women to really put a footprints and really excel is something that is very important. I think the future is bright with everything happening in Saudi and the Esports federation, it’s absolutely instrumental to lead the way and leapfrog not just locally, but also internationally.”
Albutairi said there are many opportunities for women in the esports industry.
“The whole ecosystem (has) professions such as being a commentator, moderator, and just really exploring the opportunities in the ecosystem is something that can be available and will be available here at the SEF Arena.”
Esports World Cup 2025 will be ‘best ever,’ says foundation chief
- Faisal bin Horman, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, spoke to Arab News at the Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be the “best esports tournament ever,” said Faisal bin Horman, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, during an interview with Arab News at the Sports Investment Forum.
The Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh, taking place from April 7-9, is providing a platform for industry leaders to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, said Homran.
“Sports is a big industry, and we have newcomers every year, and one of them is esports” he said. “Forums like this introduce the private sector for the future investors, for the future stakeholders, to be a part of this. It gives more information and kjore crdibility for [sports industries]”
Homran who oversees the major development of esports in the Kingdom, predicts that by 2034, the Kingdom will have the top two events for sports: football’s FIFA World Cup and the Esports World Cup.
Speaking on theEsports world Cup 2025, he commented: “This year will see the best esports tournament ever, for anyone who loves gaming or esports. Online or physical [audiences], they will have the best time of their life.”
During LEAP, the Kingdom announced being the host of the first-ever Esports Olympic Games in 2027, a landmark achievement in the country’s ambitious quest to become a global leader in gaming and esports.
Homran says everyone will watch the game and be proud of Saudi Arabia’s evergrowing achievements.
Similarly to Japan and China, two nations known for their video gaming culture, Saudi Arabia has looked to showcase its heritage and culture through esports.
“It is a good opportunity for us (Saudi Arabia) to connect community culture with Esports.”
As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to diversify its economy, with the industrial and manufacturing sectors playing a key role in reducing the country’s reliance on oil.
Programs like the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program are central to the Kingdom’s strategy, aiming to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading regional hub for advanced manufacturing, with a focus on petrochemicals, mining, and renewable energy.
The inaugural edition of the three-day Sports Investment Forum sees local and international leaders, officials, investors, and entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in the Kingdom’s evolving sports landscape.
The forum aims to expand the scope of sports investment in Saudi Arabia by fostering effective partnerships, attracting capital, and launching initiatives to drive growth across the sector.
London to host Saudi e-sports team Falcons Vega for women’s tournament Red Bull Instalock
- World’s top talent in Valorant title to compete at London’s Red Bull Gaming Sphere on May 2-3
- Reigning champions G2 Gozen will try to defend their title, with London locals GiantX GC returning to competition
LONDON: The four teams to compete at Red Bull Instalock, the professional women’s Valorant invitational tournament, have been revealed, with Saudi team Falcons Vega taking their place alongside reigning Red Bull Instalock champions G2 Gozen, FlyQuest RED, and GiantX GC at London’s Red Bull Gaming Sphere on May 2-3.
Inaugural Red Bull Instalock champions and German electronic sports team G2 Gozen will return to defend their title, alongside British team GiantX GC, who will try to win the tournament on home soil. Falcons Vega, winners of the 2024 Saudi Women’s eLeague Championship, will be making their Red Bull Instalock debut, joined by American e-sports team, FlyQuest RED.
Building on the success of its first tournament in 2024, Red Bull Instalock retains its unique format. Switching up the traditional Valorant team composition, teams will be required to select three duelists, the game’s offensive class guaranteeing intense plays, tactical expertise and clutch skills.
The tournament will be broadcast live from London’s premier gaming and e-sports venue in Shoreditch and will feature a creator exhibition match as part of the event.
E-sports organisation Fnatic, which became a Red Bull partnered team in January, will also be supporting Red Bull Instalock, hosting the Official Watch Party at its headquarters in Dalston, London on Saturday, May 3. In the collaboration with Fnatic the London-based e-sports organisation will develop exclusive merchandise to celebrate the event.
Ahead of the tournament, Red Bull player Michaela “Mimi” Lintrup, member of G2 Gozen and reigning Red Bull Instalock champion, said: “It’s great to see Red Bull Instalock back for another year as a huge moment for the Game Changers calendar. I can’t wait to return to London and to defend our title against some of the most amazing teams from around the world.”
Red Bull Instalock will be broadcast live on Red Bull’s Twitch and YouTube channels.
