Report Store Details

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Size

The Saudi Arabia esports market has witnessed significant expansion in recent years, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 18% between 2022 and 2024. This growth trajectory is largely supported by the Kingdom’s increasing gamer population, underpinned by high smartphone penetration, improved internet accessibility, and a young, digitally engaged demographic.

These dynamics not only strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position in the MENA esports market but also align with the country’s broader ambition to diversify its economy and develop a sustainable digital entertainment and gaming sector in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Growth Driven by Government Support and Expanding Player Base

• Although still in a relatively nascent stage, the Saudi Arabia esports industry is experiencing rapid acceleration, driven by strong government backing through Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. These initiatives are fostering infrastructure development, talent cultivation programs, and global esports event hosting, positioning the Kingdom as a competitive hub in the global esports market.

• While international publishers continue to dominate competitive gaming, domestic initiatives such as the Gamers Without Borders grassroots league and the Saudi Esports Academy are developing local talent pipelines, reducing dependence on external expertise. As the largest gaming market in the MENA region, Saudi Arabia is also the fastest-growing esports market in the Middle East, further solidifying its regional leadership.

• Mobile esports, accounting for the majority of player engagement, is projected to sustain strong growth. Meanwhile, console and PC segments are gaining momentum through cross-platform game releases and increasing cloud gaming adoption, reflecting a broader diversification in Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports landscape.

Scope of the Study for Saudi Arabia Esports Market

Makreo Research has published a comprehensive report titled “Saudi Arabia Esports Market Size and Forecast (2022–2030) – Analysis by Game Type (FPS, RPG, Strategy, Racing, Fighting, Battle Arena, Sports, Card Games), Device Type (Mobile, Consoles, PC), Streaming Mode, Gaming User, and Revenue Streams”, offering an in-depth evaluation of Saudi Arabia’s esports market. The study begins with a detailed analysis of the market’s historical and current performance, emphasizing the key drivers of growth drivers such as:

• The Saudi Arabia esports user base is expanding rapidly, fueled by high smartphone penetration and a young, technologically adept population.

• The market benefits from the hosting of major international esports tournaments and robust support under the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 esports strategy.

• Ongoing government investment in the Saudi Arabia gaming sector and recent market developments are shaping the country’s esports market growth on a global scale.

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Competitive Landscape and Key Players Analysis

This section presents a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape in the Saudi Arabia esports market, emphasizing the operational strengths and strategic positioning of leading domestic and international esports companies. It offers a comparative review of major market players based on metrics such as esports user base, live viewership, geographical presence, published game titles, and tournament hosting capabilities, supported by comprehensive company profiles. Each profile highlights key competencies, including:

• Analysis of gamer and esports audience reach across various platforms and events in Saudi Arabia.

• Focus on game genres and specific target audience segments within the Saudi Arabia esports market.

• Overview of ownership structures and key strategic partnerships or collaborations of leading companies.

• Summary of recent business activities, including tournament participation, sponsorships, expansion plans, and key financial indicators driving Saudi Arabia esports industry growth.Future Outlook and Strategic Insights for Saudi Arabia Esports Market

The report concludes with a detailed assessment of the structural challenges and growth opportunities shaping the future of the Saudi Arabia esports market. It offers a forward-looking perspective to support strategic planning, tournament hosting expansion, and investment decisions through 2030, fostering sustainable growth and strengthening the global positioning of Saudi Arabia’s esports industry.

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Segmentation

Saudi Arabia Esports Industry Insights

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Revenue, 2021-2024

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Outlook

Saudi Arabia’s esports market has experienced strong and steady growth in recent years, driven by robust government support under Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy Saudi Arabia, alongside a rapidly expanding gamer population. During 2022–2024, the industry was in a developmental phase, with infrastructure and local talent pipelines still maturing. However, significant investments in esports events, training initiatives, and digital platforms have established a solid foundation for accelerated Saudi Arabia esports revenue growth and enhanced global competitiveness in the coming years.

Recent Developments and Investments in Saudi Arabia Esports Market

• Savvy Games Group and Merak Capital Collaboration: In February 2025, Savvy and Merak collaborated to support Saudi-based games startups with funding, venture support, and global network access through USD 80  million Merak Gaming Fund and the Exel Gaming Accelerator.

• Riot Games and Esports World Cup Foundation Partnership: In February 2025, Riot Games signed a multi‑year deal with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to bring League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics to Esports World Cup events in Riyadh from 2025–2027.

Saudi Arabia Esports Market Segmentation by Revenue Streams, 2024

The Saudi Arabia esports market is predominantly fueled by sponsorship revenue, reflecting the substantial corporate support witnessed in high-profile events such as Gamers8. Major sponsors, including Savvy Games Group, Aramco, and STC, have invested significant capital to enhance regional esports visibility. While Saudi Arabia esports monetization remains in its early commercial stage, the market continues to focus on high-visibility sponsorships.

Saudi Arabia Gaming Console Ownership, 2021 - 2025F

Recent Business Highlights of Saudi Arabia Esports Market Leaders

• Esports World Cup 2025 Riyadh: Held from July 7 to August 24, the event featured over 2,000 elite players, the top 200 clubs, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record prize pool exceeding USD 70 million, organized by ESL FACEIT Group in collaboration with the Esports World Cup Foundation and funded by Savvy Games Group.

• Saudi Esports Federation Infrastructure Development: In 2025, the SEF Arena (25,000 m²) was inaugurated in Boulevard Riyadh City, including a dedicated SEF Academy zone for training, broadcasting, and SEA-aligned esports programs, supporting Saudi Arabia esports infrastructure growth.

• Acquisition by Scopely Inc.: In May 2025, Scopely Inc acquired Niantic’s games business for USD 3.5 billion, adding leading titles such as Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now, along with community-builder apps Campfire and Wayfarer, strengthening the Saudi Arabia esports market’s global content portfolio.

Companies Covered in the Saudi Arabia Esports Market