Saudi Esports Federation has signed two memoranda of understanding with ROC Esports and Team Stallions, marking a further push to professionalise competitive gaming and deepen talent development in the Kingdom.The agreements, announced in Riyadh, centre on strengthening the Saudi Esports Academy’s training programmes, broadening academic and technical cooperation, and creating clearer career pathways for players and industry professionals. Officials described the partnerships as part of a broader strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global hub for esports, while building a sustainable domestic talent pipeline.
Under the MoUs, ROC Esports and Team Stallions will collaborate with the federation on specialised training courses, joint competitions, mentorship schemes and knowledge exchange initiatives. The focus includes technical coaching, performance analytics, content production, event management and artistic disciplines linked to game design and digital media. The aim is to equip graduates with practical skills that meet the demands of both competitive teams and the wider esports ecosystem.
The Saudi Esports Federation, chaired by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, has been central to the Kingdom’s gaming ambitions. It oversees national tournaments, regulatory frameworks and talent development programmes, working alongside Savvy Games Group and other state-backed entities to expand investment across the sector. Officials say the academy model is intended to create structured progression from grassroots participation to elite competition.
ROC Esports, known for its involvement in regional tournaments and player management, is expected to contribute expertise in team operations and international competition standards. Team Stallions, which has built a following in local and regional circuits, will support talent scouting and community engagement initiatives. Federation representatives said the collaboration would also include workshops, boot camps and academic partnerships with universities and training institutes.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in esports forms part of Vision 2030’s broader diversification agenda. The gaming and esports strategy unveiled in 2022 set out plans to create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute billions of riyals to gross domestic product by the end of the decade. Investment has accelerated through acquisitions and partnerships by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, which has taken stakes in major international gaming companies and tournament organisers.
Industry analysts note that the Middle East has emerged as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets, driven by a young, digitally connected population and high smartphone penetration. According to industry reports, the region’s gaming revenues have continued to expand, with esports tournaments drawing increasing audiences both online and in physical arenas. Saudi Arabia has hosted large-scale competitions featuring global titles such as FIFA, PUBG and League of Legends, attracting international teams and sponsors.
The federation’s latest agreements reflect a shift from hosting marquee events towards building local capacity. Executives involved in the discussions said structured training and certification were necessary to ensure that domestic players and support staff can compete at global standards. Beyond athletes, the programmes are expected to train referees, event organisers, broadcast technicians and digital artists, broadening the employment base.
Education remains a core element of the initiative. The MoUs include provisions for joint academic modules, research collaboration and exchange of best practices in coaching methodologies and player welfare. Federation officials have highlighted the importance of mental health support, performance psychology and physical conditioning in modern esports, areas that are increasingly recognised internationally.
Critics of the Kingdom’s rapid expansion into sports and entertainment have raised questions about governance and sustainability. Human rights groups have previously argued that high-profile investments risk overshadowing broader social concerns. Saudi authorities maintain that the growth of esports and other cultural sectors reflects structural reforms aimed at expanding opportunities for young people and women, who have become more visible participants in gaming communities and competitions.
Women’s participation has grown steadily, with dedicated tournaments and mixed-gender events gaining traction. Federation data show rising numbers of female competitors and content creators engaging with academy programmes. Officials say the new partnerships will incorporate inclusive recruitment strategies and outreach initiatives targeting schools and universities.
Global esports organisations have increasingly sought partnerships in the Gulf as they diversify revenue streams beyond traditional markets in East Asia, Europe and North America. Sponsorship deals, media rights agreements and brand collaborations have followed large-scale tournaments hosted in Riyadh and other cities. The federation’s leadership has indicated that long-term success will depend on nurturing home-grown teams capable of representing the Kingdom on international stages.
Economic experts observe that esports’ appeal lies not only in prize money and sponsorship but also in adjacent industries such as streaming, merchandising, game development and digital advertising. By linking academy training with professional teams such as ROC Esports and Team Stallions, policymakers aim to integrate players into a broader commercial ecosystem.
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