The eSports federations of the UK and Saudi Arabia have announced a large-scale cooperation. This should see the desert nation’s global eSports and gaming influence continue to grow as planned
“A historic partnership” British Esports claims to have announced on Monday. The UK’s national eSports governing body has agreed to cooperate with the Saudi Esports Federation. The aim is to set “new standards of excellence, education and innovation in eSports”. The contracts were signed during the first “Esports Trade Mission” of the new British “Department for Business and Trade” in Riyadh.
The partnership will include a “wide range of projects, events and activities” and will support eSports talent through “immersive cultural exchange programmes, internships, mentoring, boot camps, training programmes, educational initiatives and joint research projects”.
Concretely planned and communicated in this regard are matches in Great Britain and Saudi Arabia within the framework of large events. Top eSports players from both countries are to meet at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland and at Gamers8 2024.
Associations want to “shape the future of the industry “
“We are excited about this collaboration which will usher in a new era for eSports in the UK,” said British Esports CEO Chester King. “As two of the world’s leading eSports federations, our joint efforts will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry and provide incredible opportunities for eSports players, professionals and enthusiasts alike. “
The cooperation is expected to play “a key role in uniting the eSports communities”, says Faisal Bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation. The cooperation will certainly also play such a role in expanding Saudi Arabia’s influence in the eSports and gaming sector.
With events like Gamers8 or the hosting of the FIFAe Finals 2023, the kingdom has done a lot in recent months to move into the spotlight. Some experts see this as an (e)sportswashing strategy that is intended, among other things, to distract from the internationally much-criticised human rights situation in Saudi Arabia.
This would also go hand in hand with the Saudi Vision 2030, which envisages increasing independence from oil. Gaming and eSports are an established pillar of this strategy.
