Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a global leader in gaming and esports, marked by significant advancements in competitive gaming, live events, and digital engagement. A recent study conducted by Power League Gaming (PLG), in partnership with Ipsos, sheds light on the key trends shaping the Kingdom’s vibrant esports landscape.

The research, carried out in December 2024, provides valuable insights into esports awareness, female participation, viewership habits, and platform preferences across Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The findings highlight Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in the global esports arena, driven by a youthful, digitally savvy, and mobile-first audience.

The gaming demographic in the Kingdom is notably young, with 59% of gamers aged between 15-24, in contrast to just 29% in the UAE. This trend underscores Saudi Arabia’s rise as a digital entertainment hub, supported by Vision 2030 initiatives that weave gaming and esports into broader cultural and economic transformations.

Awareness of esports is robust in the Kingdom, with 64% of Saudi gamers familiar with the industry. The study also reveals a notable increase in female participation, with women constituting 27% of gamers in Saudi Arabia, compared to 20% in the UAE. Female awareness of esports in the Kingdom is at 58%, nearly matching the UAE’s 59%, indicating a cultural shift towards inclusivity and a burgeoning market for brands and esports organizations.

Esports is increasingly recognized as a legitimate sport, with 57% of Saudi gamers equating it to traditional sports, closely aligning with the UAE’s 59%. The social aspect of gaming is thriving, with 68% of Saudi gamers having attended live esports tournaments and 60% expressing interest in competing. Additionally, community-driven gaming events are gaining traction, with 61% of Saudi gamers showing interest, slightly ahead of the UAE’s 59%.

Saudi gamers enjoy a diverse array of genres, including sports simulations, battle royale games, and tactical shooters. EAFC 24 and Fortnite lead the pack as the most-watched esports competitions, each capturing 35% of viewership, followed by PUBG at 34%. Dota, a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, holds a 20% share, while Call of Duty and Counter-Strike, known for their intense team-based gameplay, attract 17% of viewers each. This variety reflects Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for competitive gaming 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%) illustrates that Saudi gamers are not merely spectators—they are deeply engaged in the esports ecosystem, eager to learn and enhance their gameplay.

YouTube Live remains the predominant platform for esports consumption, with 50% of Saudi gamers tuning in. However, social media is increasingly influential in the esports landscape. Instagram has emerged as a vital 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 gaining traction as preferred channels for gaming-related engagement. For brands aiming to connect with Saudi gamers, prioritizing targeted content strategies that resonate with this highly engaged audience is essential. Tailored campaigns, influencer collaborations, and platform-specific storytelling will be crucial for capturing attention and fostering authentic engagement in this competitive arena.

Traditional media continues to play a role in the growth of esports, 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.

The dominance of mobile gaming in Saudi Arabia is undeniable, with 70% of gamers using smartphones to watch esports content, slightly ahead of the UAE’s 68%. In contrast, 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.

Commenting on the significance of these findings, Mathew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming, stated: “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 shape the future of esports in MENA, Power League Gaming remains at the forefront, providing in-depth industry insights and strategic initiatives that help brands forge meaningful connections with the gaming community.

Power League Gaming specializes in gaming and esports strategy, large-scale online and offline activations, branded and original content creation, influencer marketing, and educational gaming initiatives.