Global Esports Games get underway in Riyadh for first time

RIYADH: The Global Esports Games, the flagship event of the Global Esports Federation, got underway in a blaze of glory in Riyadh on Tuesday, with organizers praising the multi-title, global competition’s power in uniting the international gaming community.

The third annual edition of the Global Esports Games is being staged from Dec. 12-16 at the Saudi Esports Federation Arena in Riyadh — the first time Saudi Arabia’s capital city has hosted the prestigious event.

Hosted by the SEF and presented by the Global Esports Federation, #GEG23 features numerous renowned multi-genre global titles. These are: DOTA 2, in the form of the DOTA 2 Open and DOTA 2 Women competitions, eFootball 2024, PUBG MOBILE and Street Fighter 6.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of SEF, credited #GEG23 as being “the realization of a dream” of the Kingdom’s ambitions to host legendary tournaments, forging long-lasting relationships and unlocking esports’ full potential.

“This flagship event is one of utmost significance, as well as a truly global spectacle that enables us to captivate people while further uniting the world-connected esports community. In the days ahead, the games will showcase nothing short of an extraordinary display of excellence, proving that passion and skill are the ultimate currencies for driving advancement, bridging cultures, and inspiring greatness,” he said in a statement.

#GEG23 welcomes more than 950 gamers from over 100 nations and territories.

In the World Finals at the SEF Arena in Riyadh, more than 235 gamers from over 50 nations and territories will be competing in front of a live audience and multi-channel broadcast.

Of the 56 countries being represented in the