Saudi Esports Federation and PUBG Mobile collaborate to strengthen esports infrastructure
Saudi Arabia is making significant waves in the esports universe, and the way Middle East alone impacts the industry is commendable. This success is largely due to their esports federation and organisations. Recently, the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) teamed up with PUBG Mobile, marking a bold step towards building a thriving, homegrown esports empire.
The MoU between SEF and PUBG Mobile
The SEF is the official governing body for esports in Saudi Arabia. Its mission is to support gamers, build infrastructure, and position Saudi Arabia on the global esports map.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is essentially a formal agreement between two parties. While not a binding contract, it signifies a mutual commitment to collaborate. This MoU indicates that SEF and PUBG Mobile are saying, “Let’s build something awesome together.”
Thanks to the MoU, the is now part of the PUBG Mobile National Championship ecosystem. The winner of the National Championship will qualify for a place at the PUBG Mobile World Cup, which will be held as part of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh throughout July and August.
This partnership aims to enhance the Kingdom’s pathway from grassroots to professional esports. The PUBG Mobile World Cup will feature a $3 million (~£2.2 million) prize pool, with 24 teams from around the globe competing in one of the most significant competitions for the battle royale title.
Strategic collaborations of SEF
This partnership with PUBG Mobile shines a spotlight on Saudi players, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills, gain fans, and potentially secure sponsorships. From high school students to university squads, the opportunity to turn gaming into a career is more tangible than ever.
In August 2024, SEF signed another MoU with MOONTON Games, creators of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, aiming to elevate the esports industry to new heights.
The newly opened SEF Arena in Riyadh and SEF Academy focus on skill-building through coaching, mentoring, and preparing the next generation of esports champions. The Esports World Cup will take place in Riyadh, running from July to August 2025. Hosting this tournament is a significant achievement for Saudi Arabia.
HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, President of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), emphasised the Federation’s commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s position in the global esports industry.
“The SEF continues to take bold steps to strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the global esports arena. Through strategic collaborations with leading titles such as PUBG Mobile, we are expanding opportunities for our players, building sustainable pathways to international competition, and accelerating the development of a dynamic and thriving esports ecosystem,” said HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar.
