British Esports, the national body for esports in the UK, announced a historic partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation, the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards advancing the global esports industry.
This landmark collaboration is being signed at the same time as the UK Department for Business and Trade takes its first Esports Trade Mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the aim of fostering connections and exploring opportunities in the Saudi Arabian esports landscape.
Both esports federations have formally committed to working together to elevate esports to new heights under the agreement. The partnership commenced alongside an exclusive reception in Riyadh, hosted by the UK Ambassador Neil Crompton with HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and Chester King, CEO, British Esports attending.
The partnership’s key initiatives will encompass a wide range of projects, events and activations designed to cultivate esports talent, through immersive cultural exchange programmes, internships, mentorship, bootcamps, esports training programmes, educational initiatives and collaborative research projects.
Part of the agreement, will see British Esports and Saudi Esports host home and away matches with some of the top UK and Saudi esports athletes, competing at the National Esports Performance Campus in Sunderland and at Gamers8 later next year in 2024.
This partnership underscores the commitment of both federations to fostering international cooperation and growth within the esports industry and heralds an exciting era of opportunity, investment and development.
HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Saudi Esports Federation is constantly evolving and creating new pathways for players to gain new experience, and our cooperation with the British Esports Federation will play a key role in fostering talents and unite the esports community. By joining forces, I’m sure that we can create a platform that empowers players, cultivates innovation, and paves the way for a thriving esports industry in both nations and beyond.”
Chester King, CEO of British Esports, said: “We are excited about this collaboration, which is poised to usher in a new era for esports in the UK. As two of the world’s leading esports federations, our joint efforts will undoubtedly shape the future of the industry, providing incredible opportunities for esports athletes, professionals and enthusiasts alike.”