Gamers8 combines e-sports and music at sold-out concert in Riyadh

RIYADH: Music lovers were treated to a stellar lineup of international and local artists to kick-start the second edition of Gamers8’s entertainment program at Riyadh Boulevard City’s Mohammed Abdu Arena this weekend.

The first night of multicultural concerts included Saudi DJ Vinylmode, who warmed up the crowd with house music, followed by renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter Tiwa Savage, Saudi singer Rabeh Sager and then Norwegian music producer Alan Walker, who closed out the night.  

“We sold out seven out of eight concerts last year, the only one we didn’t sell out was the first one. We came in this year with the first one already sold out, so I think the anticipation is there,” Omar Batterjee, director of corporate communications and public relations at the Saudi Esports Federation, told Arab News.

“We have a lot of interesting names we’ve aligned. We’ve announced the July lineup, and the August lineup is about to come out. (There are) a few ones that I think I’ll be attending for myself.”

Gamers8 is the world’s largest e-sports and gaming festival, and works to incorporate entertainment and music into its programming. While the lineup for the night is curated to fit many music tastes, most concert-goers were anticipating seeing Sager and Walker. 

 “I’m so excited to see Alan Walker and Rabeh Sager. It’s a combination you rarely see together at the same concert,” attendee Noura Abdullah told Arab News. She came with family members to enjoy the night and said she was excited to hear hits like “Mountaha El Reqa” by Sager and “Faded” by Walker. 

Abdullah games as a hobby, usually with her family, and expressed excitement for the Gamers8 season to start.  

She added: “Last year, it was huge and exciting how