🎮 Gaming isn't just a pastime—it's part of who we are! That's the vibe from Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation. In a recent chat with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi, Prince Faisal spilled the beans on why the young generation is naturally drawn to gaming.
\"We are now in a time that every generation born doesn't know a world without esports,\" he said. \"Unlike us who had to learn about gaming, these young men and women today are gamers by nature. Even traditional athletes are gamers. Football players are playing EAFC on the side, NBA stars are into NBA 2K. Professional players are participating in esports all over the world.\"
🔥 And the excitement doesn't stop there! Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. As part of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom is leveling up its esports game, focusing on economic diversification and a vibrant lifestyle.
But wait, there's more! Saudi Arabia is teaming up with China to take esports to new heights. The China Media Group (CMG) National Institute for Esports Development was launched in Beijing this July, marking a big step in China's esports scene. CMG has also inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Esports World Cup Federation of Saudi Arabia and China-based esports company VSPO. Together, they're planning to rock the esports world with future events and collaborations. 🌟
\"The aim here is to really bring the best of the best together,\" Prince Faisal explained. \"We are not looking to reinvent the wheel. We want to understand what's happening around the world, collaborate with the best, and grow in the best way possible.\"
He added, \"The first question we have to answer before moving forward with any partnership is: 'Why?' If the answer makes sense, then it's something we look at very seriously. There's nothing about this partnership that doesn't answer that question—whether it's expertise, growth, or collaborating with the best of the best.\"
🚀 With the youth already embracing gaming as second nature, and exciting international partnerships on the horizon, the future of esports in Saudi Arabia looks brighter than ever!
Reference(s):
Saudi Esports Federation Chief: Young generation are gamers by nature
cgtn.com
