Prince Faisal. (Official account of the Saudi Esports Federation on X).

At a time when esports have transformed from merely a passion and hobby into a multi-billion dollar industry, Saudi Arabia stands at the forefront of countries shaping the future of this sport and building global platforms for it.

Amid ambitious plans, world championships, and historic financial prizes, the name of the Saudi Esports Federation, headed by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, emerges as a driving force behind this exceptional transformation.

Here is the text of the interview:

• How do you assess Saudi Arabia’s position on the global esports map?

– Thanks to God and the support of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we have made Saudi Arabia a global center for this sector. Since the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth in various sectors, especially in esports, and we have solidified our global position by hosting the World Cup for two consecutive years.

• What have you achieved since the federation’s inception?

– The federation was launched in 2018. At that time, there was only one esports club, six players, and one game development company. Now, there are more than 100 clubs, over 1,300 players, and more than 35 game development companies.

• What were the main challenges you faced?

– The biggest challenge was the lack of information. We did not know what existed in Saudi Arabia: the fans, the community, computer systems, and companies. But after partnering with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Communications, we were able to identify what was happening on the ground. In a survey we conducted, we discovered that 67 percent of the Saudi population consider themselves players. Then we succeeded in developing the Saudi market to reach where we are today.

In 2018, no games were available on Saudi networks. Now, most are available, and we have strengthened systems and regulations. Together with the Ministry of Sports, esports have become important in Saudi Arabia. What was initially a passion has now become a Saudi identity on a global professional path.

• How do esports contribute to diversifying income sources according to Vision 2030?

– As part of the national strategy, income from the gaming and esports sector is expected to reach about 50 billion Saudi riyals (13 billion US dollars), approximately 1 percent by 2030.

This sector will also contribute to securing about 39,000 jobs, alongside 250 local and international companies and institutions, in addition to a significant increase in players from schools and universities, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

• How do you see women’s participation in esports?

– When we talk about the Saudi gaming community, about 48 percent are women and 52 percent are men. The passion exists, and we work to give them opportunities. The tools are available for them to become professionals and take the right career path in their lives.

Regarding companies related to gaming, women’s participation is very high, as the majority of those working in this sector are women. In the esports and professional sector, women represent 20 percent, which is a large number compared to any other country. The global average is 5 percent, and the closest to us is 12 percent in a European country.

It is an honor for me to be part of the team that gives these young men and women the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities to the whole world.

• Can esports surpass traditional sports?

– Certainly. In the first year of the Esports World Cup, we had more than 500 million viewers, over 250 million hours of broadcast, and more than 5 billion views and interactions on social media; all this in just one sporting event.

Esports will equal traditional sports when we see a player from esports with a brand like Cristiano Ronaldo or Michael Jordan, and this is only a matter of time.

• The next event in Saudi Arabia?

– We are open and talking with everyone, and I do not like to announce an event until I am sure it will be accomplished. I confirm that we work every day for the best and more in Saudi Arabia, the region, and the world.

• A message to the new generation?

– This is your time. Take the opportunity and try. If you have a passion for gaming, all the tools are now available. We have many stories in Arab countries that no one knows about; this is our chance to get these stories and show them to the world in a way everyone can relate to.

To anyone passionate about becoming a professional player, I say the championships exist. There is the Arab Federation, the Saudi Federation, and the Gulf Federation; we are all one region. I do not consider that we have achieved success unless we achieve it together as a region. This is the time, take the first step and contribute. All Arab countries are with you. The opportunity is available, career paths exist, and this is our chance to prove our place as Arabs in the global sector.