Saudi Esports Federation
 | |
| Formation | 13 October 2017[1] |
|---|---|
| Founder | Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia |
| Purpose | National Body of Esports |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Chairman | Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud[2] |
Deputy Chairman | Sara bint Faisal Al Saud |
CEO | Turki Alfawzan |
Key people | Salman bin Bandar Fahad Alowaidah Abdulaziz Alaqel[3] |
| Subsidiaries | Saudi eLeagues SEF Awards |
| Website | saudiesports |
The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF; Arabic: الاتحاد السعودي للرياضات الإلكترونية) is the national body for esports (or competitive video gaming) in Saudi Arabia. It was established in October 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030.
History
[edit]The Saudi Esports Federation was officially established in October 13, 2017 under the name "Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports" with Faisal bin Bandar as the chairman.[4] In May 4, 2021 the esports federation was separated from the intellectual sports federation to be named the "Saudi Esports Federation.[5]
In March 2023, SEF-organized Gamers8 tournament announced the largest esports prize pool in history with $45 million for its 2023 event.[6]
In October 2023, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Esports World Cup, an annual competition which will include the most popular games in the world. The first world cup will take place in summer 2024 and promises to have the largest prize pool in esports history.[7] The Esports World Cup will replace Gamers8.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Saudi eSports Federation". International Esports Federation. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "Op-ed: His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation". Goal.com. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "SEF BOARD". Saudi eSports Federation. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "آل الشيخ يُجري تغييرات في اللجنة الأولمبية والاتحادات الرياضية.. تعرَّف عليها" [Al Shaikh creates changes in the Olympic Committee and the sports federations... know them]. Sabq (in Arabic). 13 October 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "اتحاد الرياضات الإلكترونية ينفصل عن الذهنية" [Esports Federation Separates from Intellectual Sports]. Alyaum (in Arabic). 4 May 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Saudi-backed Gamers8 announces largest esports prize pool in history". Esports Insider. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia launches Esports World Cup - statement". Reuters. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- ^ "Saudi Arabian Prime Minister announces Esports World Cup". Esports Insider. 23 October 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
