Saudi Arabia Emerges As Global Esports Powerhouse With Youth-Driven Growth, New Report Reveals

Saudi Arabia is rapidly establishing itself as a leading force in the global esports and gaming industry, driven by significant growth in competitive gaming, digital engagement, and live events. A collaborative study between Power League Gaming (PLG) and Ipsos, conducted in December 2024, provides insights into the esports landscape in the Kingdom.

The Kingdom's gaming community is notably youthful and digitally savvy, with a majority (59%) of gamers aged between 15 and 24 years. This contrasts sharply with the UAE, where the same age group represents just 29% of the gaming population. Such a demographic profile showcases Saudi Arabia as an emerging digital entertainment hub. This transformation is supported by the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiatives, which aim to assimilate gaming and esports within broader cultural and economic development plans.

In Saudi Arabia, the awareness and acceptance of esports among gamers are remarkably high, with 64% of the gaming community being familiar with esports. This awareness is particularly pronounced among young adults and Arab respondents.

Female participation in the gaming world is also on the rise, with women representing 27% of the gamer population in KSA—a noticeable increase compared to 20% in the UAE. Furthermore, 58% of female gamers in KSA are aware of esports, underscoring a shift towards greater inclusivity and diversity within the gaming ecosystem.

Esports in Saudi Arabia is not only viewed as a competitive activity but is also embraced as a legitimate sport and social phenomenon. Over half (57%) of Saudi gamers see esports as a real sport, with a slightly higher percentage in the UAE. The Kingdom stands out for its live esports events, with 68% of Saudi gamers having attended such events, and a significant number expressing interest in participating in or attending future competitions and community gaming events.

Saudi gamers show a diverse interest in various game genres, including sports simulations, battle royale titles, and tactical shooters. Popular esports competitions such as EAFC 24, Fortnite, and PUBG attract substantial viewership, with strategic and team-based games like Dota, Call of Duty, and Counter-Strike also enjoying significant attention. Beyond watching live matches, a majority of Saudi gamers engage with tournament recaps, gameplay strategies, and behind-the-scenes content, indicating a deep investment in the esports world.

YouTube Live is the primary platform for esports content consumption in Saudi Arabia, but social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok are rapidly gaining popularity. This trend highlights the importance of tailored social media content strategies for brands aiming to connect with the Kingdom's gaming audience. Despite the increasing influence of digital and social media, traditional TV viewership for esports still holds a place, albeit slightly less than in the UAE.

The preference for mobile gaming is evident, with 70% of Saudi gamers using smartphones for esports content, compared to 68% in the UAE, emphasizing a mobile-first approach in the Kingdom. In contrast, PC usage for esports content is considerably lower in Saudi Arabia than in the UAE, highlighting the focus on accessibility and convenience in the Kingdom's gaming culture.

Saudi Arabia's esports scene is evolving rapidly, driven by a young, engaged community, increasing female involvement, and supportive government initiatives.

Mathew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, emphasized the swift advancement of the Kingdom's esports landscape, noting the potential opportunities for brands, developers, and investors. Power League Gaming's commitment to transforming insights into actionable strategies is pivotal in connecting brands with the gaming community, thereby positioning them at the forefront of the region's expanding esports sector.