The Evolution of eSports
June 5th 2023
Riyadh
With the recent excitement surrounding the growth and development of the eSports industry in KSA The American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia Sports Committee, in collaboration with Smart Purpose Sports, and Sponsored by Hushood Entertainment Events Co. we hosted the discussion panel on the topic of “Evolution of eSports” on Monday June 5th at Marriott Hotel Diplomatic Quarters, in Riyadh.
Opening remarks were made by Tarik Solomon, Ex-Former Officer Chairman of AmCham Saudi Arabia, he introduced the American Chamber of Commerce activity and key guests, followed by remarks of Maxwell Andrews, Chairman of Sport Committee AmCham Saudi Arabia on the importance of the e-gaming industry. This was followed by panelists remarks, a moderated discussion, a participants Q&A, and the opportunity to network with the key e-gaming industry leaders.
The panel discussion featured representation from Saudi eSport federation as well as the key leaders of e-gaming industry. Speakers included: Maxwell Andrews, Chair of Sport Committee, AmCham Saudi Arabia, Omar Baterrjee , Corporate Communications and Public Relations Director of Saudi Esports Federation, Sultan Al Olayan, CEO of Vartex Gaming, Mohammed Albsim CEO of TrueGaming, moderated by Vera Ghazal, Principal License Management Services Consultant at Oracle.
The panelists introduced eSport as a booming global industry where video gamers “skilled athletes train physically, mentally and strategically” play competitively and they highlighted it is a career path with low barrier entry for both females and males. They discussed how the Kingdom has developed the fastest growing sector among all media sectors, the strategic best practices for the growth and development of eSports industry in Saudi Arabia, including organizing tournaments and events, developing infrastructure and facilities, and training and supporting gaming athletes as a part of the Vision 2030.
The panelists highlighted that Saudi Arabia has a highest percentage of e-gamers in the World and with its high number of young population, the Kingdom’s ambition is to become a global hub for eSports, an attraction for game developers worldwide, attracting talents and international companies and contributing to achieving a local and global impact in the sector.
The discussion panel was the first event of a 5 Panel Event Series for 2023-2024 AmCham Saudi Arabia’s Sports Committee in conjunctions with a partnership agreement with Hushood Entertainment.
The photo gallery available here: