SEF arena inauguration heralds exciting new era for Saudi esports

RIYADH: Esports in Saudi Arabia is set for an exciting new era following the official opening of the new SEF Arena.

The Saudi Esports Federation center in Boulevard World, Riyadh, is a state-of-the-art complex designed to revolutionize gaming and esports in the Kingdom.

Spanning 25,000 sq. meters, it boasts dedicated esports venues, event halls, the SEF Academy, SEF Studio and collaborative workspaces and is purpose-built to support every phase of a player’s journey from grassroots level to the international stage.

The inauguration is a landmark achievement in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming the global capital for competitive gaming, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s accelerating digital economy.

Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of SEF, said: “This isn’t just a venue; it’s the beating heart of an ecosystem. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, and where champions are made. We want Saudi Arabia to be known as the ‘Land of Champions,’ a winning nation where talent is discovered, nurtured, and elevated to the world stage.”

At the heart of SEF’s vision is the gamer’s journey. Starting with the SEF’s School League, players can progress through a structured system that includes the SEF Academy, high-performance coaching, training, and mentorship, taking them from casual player to full-time professional.

Al-Fawzan added: “From watching Twitch streams at home to competing in the Saudi eLeagues and ultimately representing the Kingdom on the global stage, this is the structured journey we’ve built for our youth. It all starts right here, at the SEF Arena.”

The arena is also home to the Saudi eLeagues, where more than 2,800 active players compete across tournaments including the Saudi eLeague Elites,