Hey gamers! 🎮 Did you hear? Esports is not just about high scores anymore; it's bridging nations! Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, the Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and president of the International Esports Federation, dropped some exciting news at the announcement of the Esports Asian Champions League, a fresh multi-genre tournament organized by VSPO.
In a chat with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi, Prince Faisal shared how this new tournament is shaking things up. \"What stands out about the Asian Champions League?\" he mused. \"With esports, so many tournaments are either online or offline. The innovation here is how we bring those two worlds together and start to unite a region that's, quite frankly, the most advanced esports-wise in the world with some of the best players.\" 🤩
He highlighted the magic of merging online and offline experiences, using VR, AR, and XR technologies to create an online arena where fans aren't just watching—they're part of the action! \"It's not just innovative,\" he said, \"but a step towards the future of this industry.\" 🚀
Saudi Arabia is leveling up in the esports world, hosting epic events like the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh and investing big in esports development. Earlier this year, Savvy Games Group invested a whopping $265 million in Shanghai-based VSPO. Meanwhile, Chinese teams have been slaying in global esports competitions for nearly a decade. 🏆
Prince Faisal believes that esports is the ultimate connector between Saudi Arabia and China. \"Esports is one of those things that really bridges different gaps,\" he said. \"It's a sport, so it brings together ministries of sport, athletes, and events like the Asian Games and the Olympics. It's also about fan engagement and tourism.\" 🌍
He shared some cool stats: \"We had a huge number of Chinese fans come to watch the Chinese teams play at the Esports World Cup. Over 100,000 Chinese tourists visited Saudi Arabia in 2023, and we're looking to amp up those numbers! We had 30,000 Saudis visit China last year, and we want more. But how do you do that? You have to create an interest, spark that first visit.\" ✈️
By hosting and participating in major esports events, both countries are not only enriching their gaming communities but also strengthening cultural ties and fostering new friendships. Who knew virtual battles could forge real-world bonds? 🤝
So next time you pick up that controller, remember—you might just be part of something bigger! Game on! 🎮🔥
Reference(s):
Saudi esports chief: Esports enhance ties between Saudi Arabia, China
cgtn.com
