Saudi Arabia is cementing its position as a global powerhouse in gaming and esports, with unprecedented growth in competitive gaming, live events, and digital engagement. A new study by Power League Gaming (PLG) in collaboration with Ipsos, the global leader in market research, reveals key trends shaping the Kingdom’s thriving esports ecosystem.
Conducted in December 2024, the research provides deep insights into esports awareness, female participation, viewership habits, and platform preferences across KSA and the UAE. With an audience that is young, mobile-first, and digitally engaged, Saudi Arabia is not just consuming esports—it is shaping its future.
A Youth-Driven Esports Market
Saudi Arabia’s gaming audience is predominantly young and highly engaged, with 59% of gamers aged between 15-24, in stark contrast to the UAE, where only 29% of gamers belong to this age bracket. This demographic shift highlights the Kingdom’s role as a burgeoning digital entertainment hub, fuelled by government initiatives under Vision 2030, which actively integrate gaming and esports into broader cultural and economic transformations.
A significant 64% of Saudi gamers are familiar with esports, with young adults and Arab respondents leading in awareness, reinforcing its mainstream acceptance. Female participation in gaming is also increasing, with 27% of KSA gamers being women, compared to 20% in the UAE. Notably, female esports awareness in KSA stands at 58%, nearly on par with the UAE’s 59%. These findings highlight a cultural shift toward inclusivity, with more women engaging in competitive gaming than ever before. This new demographic also presents a fresh audience for brands, developers, and esports organisations, unlocking new opportunities to connect, engage, and market to an evolving and increasingly diverse gaming community in the Kingdom.
Esports: A Recognised Sport and a Social Phenomenon
Esports is gaining traction as a legitimate sport, with 57% of Saudi gamers considering it a real sport, closely aligning with the UAE’s 59%. More than just a competitive activity, esports in KSA is becoming a social experience.
The Kingdom is proving to be a powerhouse for live esports events, with 68% of Saudi gamers having attended an in-person tournament. The enthusiasm for active participation is also evident, with 60% of Saudi gamers expressing interest in competing in live esports tournaments. Additionally, community-oriented gaming events are rapidly gaining traction, with 61% of Saudi gamers showing interest, compared to 59% in the UAE.
The Games Capturing Saudi Arabia’s Attention
Saudi gamers engage with a diverse range of sports simulations, battle royale titles, and tactical shooters. EAFC 24 and Fortnite are the most-watched esports competitions, each at 35%, followed by PUBG at 34%. Dota, a leading multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, holds a strong presence at 20%. Meanwhile, Call of Duty and Counter-Strike—both known for their high-intensity, team-based gameplay—each attract 17% of viewers. This lineup reflects Saudi Arabia’s passion for competitive gaming, spanning strategic shooters, battle royale clashes, and sports-driven esports experiences, with strong engagement across multiple genres.
Beyond live matches, 66% of Saudi gamers follow tournament recaps, while 63% actively seek gameplay strategies and tactical breakdowns. Interest in gamer interviews (64%) and behind-the-scenes tournament content (49%) highlights that Saudi gamers are not just spectators—they are deeply engaged in the esports ecosystem, eager to learn and improve their own gameplay.
How Saudi Gamers Consume Esports Content
YouTube Live remains the most widely used platform for esports consumption, with 50% of Saudi gamers tuning in. However, social media is becoming increasingly influential in the esports ecosystem. Instagram has emerged as a key platform, with 33% of Saudi gamers consuming esports content there, followed by X (formerly Twitter) at 31%. Facebook (29%) and TikTok (27%) are also rapidly growing as preferred channels for gaming-related engagement. With social media playing a central role in esports consumption, brands looking to connect with Saudi gamers must prioritise targeted content strategies that resonate with this highly engaged audience. Tailored campaigns, influencer collaborations, and platform-specific storytelling will be essential for capturing attention and driving authentic engagement in this competitive space.
Traditional media continues to play a role in esports growth, with TV viewership reaching 24% in Saudi Arabia, slightly lower than the UAE’s 27%. This expansion into conventional broadcast media signals a broader mainstream acceptance of esports.
A Mobile-First Gaming Market
The dominance of mobile gaming in Saudi Arabia is undeniable, with 70% of Saudi gamers using smartphones to watch esports content slightly ahead of the UAE’s 68%. PC usage for esports content remains significantly lower in Saudi Arabia (35%), compared to the UAE’s 54%, reinforcing the Kingdom’s mobile-first gaming culture and its emphasis on accessibility and convenience.
The Future of Esports in Saudi Arabia
With a digitally engaged, highly participatory, and socially connected gaming community, Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global force in esports. The combination of youth-driven growth, increasing female participation, and government investment is accelerating the Kingdom’s transformation into a premier esports destination.
Mathew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, commented on the significance of these findings: “Saudi Arabia’s esports evolution is progressing at an extraordinary pace. The rise in female participation, the growing preference for live esports experiences, and the Kingdom’s mobile-first gaming habits highlight the immense opportunities within this rapidly expanding sector. For brands, developers, and investors eyeing the Saudi market, success hinges on understanding and authentically engaging with this deeply connected gaming community. At Power League Gaming, we’re committed to transforming insights into action, ensuring brands and publishers not only understand the gaming landscape but actively engage with it. From crafting immersive esports experiences to building strategic partnerships, we help our clients navigate this evolving space with solutions that drive real engagement and long-term impact, positioning them at the forefront of this growing field.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to define the future of esports in MENA, Power League Gaming remains at the forefront of innovation, offering in-depth industry insights and strategic initiatives that help brands establish meaningful connections with the gaming community.
Power League Gaming specialises in gaming and esports strategy, large-scale online and offline activations, branded and original content creation, influencer marketing, and educational gaming initiatives. Having delivered esports solutions to blue-chip clients since 2013, the agency is a thought leader shaping the way brands integrate into the region’s rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.
