Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s rise in the esports world and its alignment with Vision 2030
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – April 21, 2025 – ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the world’s leading esports company, announces the return of the ESL Saudi Challenge for 2025, with two editions confirmed for May and December. This expansion is part of EFG’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem and supports the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 and its National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
Kicking off the 2025 season, the first round of open qualifiers will take place on April 24, 25, and 26, followed by a second round scheduled for May 1, 2, and 3. The competition will then advance to the playoffs on May 7, 8, 14, and 15, culminating in a live grand final at VOV Gaming on May 30. Players and teams interested in participating can register via FACEIT.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its efforts to become a global hub for gaming and esports, the ESL Saudi Challenge offers a vital platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage. The competition is built not only to entertain, but to connect — linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences.
“What’s happening in the Kingdom today sets the tone for the future of global esports.” said Franck Guignery, SVP MENA at EFG.
“We’re witnessing a generation of players with world-class potential. The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than a tournament; it’s a launchpad — a gateway that connects Saudi talent to the global esports arena. For the industry, this isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a turning point.”
With 70% of the Kingdom’s population identifying as gamers, Saudi Arabia is home to one of the most engaged and diverse gaming communities in the world. The ESL Saudi Challenge is tailored to that momentum, offering a competitive stage that reflects the energy and ambition of the region.
Each 2025 edition of the tournament will spotlight Overwatch 2 as its flagship title, boasting a $20,000 prize pool and offering winners a direct path to global competitions. More than just a high-stakes showdown, the Challenge serves as a crucial platform for aspiring pros, blending elite competition with career-building opportunities. This year’s grand finals will culminate in a live showdown, bringing the region’s top talent to the big stage.
As part of Savvy Games Group, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), EFG continues to play a strategic role in growing the esports ecosystem across the Kingdom. From infrastructure and technology to talent and tournament operations, EFG is working alongside local partners to build a world-class, sustainable future for competitive gaming in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
For more information on the follow the official ESL Arabia channels on X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
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About ESL FACEIT Group
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the world’s largest esports and video game entertainment company, dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become a community. Built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, and DreamHack, EFG provides innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans, and creators around the games they love. In January 2022, EFG was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group—a company 100% owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund—for $1.5 billion. As the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years, EFG continues to shape the future of esports on a global scale. Working alongside leading partners, brands, and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms, and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide. For more information, visit www.eslfaceitgroup.com.
About ESL
ESL creates a world where everybody can be somebody. For more than two decades, we have been shaping the industry and leading esports and gaming innovation globally across the most popular video games, creating a comprehensive ecosystem with opportunities for players to go from zero to hero and for fans to witness the best stories esports has to offer. The ESL portfolio consists of high-profile products such as the ESL Pro Tour, Intel® Extreme Masters, the Snapdragon Pro Series, and many more, ranging from grassroots to global elite competitions. ESL is part of ESL FACEIT Group, the leading esports and video game entertainment company.
