As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitions to become a global gaming hub, ESL FACEIT Group’s new esports venue in Riyadh offers marketers a powerful platform to reach Gen Z audiences across the Middle East. Beyond tournaments, it’s a stage for brand experiences, influencer collaborations, and real-time engagement with one of the fastest-growing digital communities in the world.
The global video game entertainment and operations powerhouse ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has officially launched a brand-new regional headquarters and flagship esports studio in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a move it said furthers its commitment to the growth of esports in Saudi Arabia.
The new studio is a full-on-sports arena as it covers more than 1,000 square meters, can host over 500 people, and features more than 300 square meters of LED screens. It’s primarily designed for gamers, fans and creators, offering structure for live tournaments, broadcasts, brand activations and other marketing and media events.
It will serve as a hub for esports fans and communities, EFG announced, while hosting local tournaments, such as the ESL Saudi Challenge, and international competitions.
EFG said its investment in the new facility is expected to create professional pathways for the development of Saudi talent and creation of jobs across multiple functions, including broadcast production, content creation, and community and event management.
This is in line with the aims of Saudi Arabia’s National Games and Esports Strategy to create 39,000 jobs and contribute SR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) to national gross domestic product by 2030.
EFG was the official operating partner for the recent Esports World Cup in Riyadh, eight-week event organizers described as the largest esports and gaming festival in the world.
