Saudi gamer Modhi Alkanhal on how esports are empowering women across the Kingdom

RIYADH: Modhi Alkanhal, who recently won the Best Female Player of the Year prize, presented by Hilton, at the annual Saudi Esports Federation Awards, believes gaming and esports is helping to empower women across the Kingdom.

Alkanhal — whose triumph was her third SEF Award in succession — is one of a growing number of Saudi Arabian women who have been able to pursue professional esports careers.

Playing under the gamertag Madv, Alkanhal is an in-game leader for the elite Saudi Arabian side Team Falcons Vega, where she stars in Valorant.

Figures issued by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology show that 48 percent of the Kingdom’s gamers are women.

With the number of gamers in Saudi Arabia totaling some 23.5 million, nearly 70 percent of the country’s population, the potential for women in the sector is huge.

Research from consultants Redseer indicates that 69 percent of online women in the Kingdom are gamers — 1 percent more than their male counterparts.

“I am so proud to witness how much the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is supporting women empowerment in esports,” said Alkanhal, who is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 and her 22nd birthday on March 10.

“I feel like Saudi has already achieved that level where it is a global nation in the gaming and esports landscape. Having so many women involved in gaming and esports is a huge part of that.

“Women are being empowered through gaming. I am proud to be part of such a development, and hopefully I get the chance to proceed with it. Also, I hope women across Saudi continue to get the chance to further their own passions, interests and success stories in esports.”

She says a large part of that empowerment stems from the work