Latest news with #Gamers8
Forbes
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Meet The People Leading The Esports World Cup Into Its Second Year
The Esports World Cup is back The Esports World Cup kind of came out of nowhere in 2024 to instantly become the biggest thing in the world of esports. Within a few months of the announcement, thousands of the world's top gamers were in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, competing for millions of dollars and it surprised everyone. With many expecting an event of that size to not actually be possible thanks to the way esports has worked for the past 25 years. Nothing on this scale had ever been attempted before. Sure the likes of the CGS back in the late 00s had tried multi-game competitions, but nothing even close to this kind of size had even been considered before Gamers8, the predecessor to EWC started up, and only last year did things really kick up a gear to make this a truly global event. 'The industry wasn't ready back then,' said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation and former CEO of ESL and EFG, a leading esports tournament organiser. 'In the early 2010s, esports was still maturing. The infrastructure, the global fanbase, and the investment needed to create a true World Cup just weren't there yet. At ESL/EFG, we helped pioneer many formats and events, but those were built around single games or regional formats. The EWC is something bigger: cross-game, cross-region, cross-publisher. That level of alignment takes deep cooperation across stakeholders, and the industry wasn't ready to collaborate like that a decade ago. Incredibly important to this equation is government backing. The Kingdom, with its National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030, is significantly invested in seeing the EWC grow in a way that benefits its population and the industry overall.' That backing was down to HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation. With a goal of growing the Saudi and wider MENA esports scene, the federation started to build on the relatively small base that was already in the region by the mid 2010s. After years of building things up, often without much fanfare in the wider world, it was time to launch the Esports World Cup, which is now dominating conversation in the industry. 'As a lifelong gamer myself, I've always seen how deeply rooted the passion for gaming is across our community,' said HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. 'That's what inspired the launch of the Saudi Esports Federation in 2017. At the time, the ecosystem was just beginning to take shape. We had one professional team, no formal infrastructure and limited global recognition. But even then, I knew there was something special here. Step by step, we worked to develop talent, build infrastructure and create opportunities for players, fans and professionals within the sector. The Esports World Cup is the culmination of everything we've been working towards. It's our hero event, one that brings together the best players, teams, publishers and fans from around the world. But more than that, it reflects the journey we've taken: from humble beginnings to now being at the center of the global esports conversation. It showcases what's possible when passion is matched with purpose and long-term commitment.' FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder With a successful first year under their belt, it's now time for the difficult second album. The surprise factor has worn off, with the whole industry now having high expectations after its first year, and the pressure is on to at the very least match last year's event. The 2025 Esports World Cup officially opened today, with a press conference kicking things off and a massive opening ceremony featuring Post Malone due to take place later today in Riyadh. The opening press conference welcomed fans to the event. It's certainly a big start for the 2025 iteration of the event, designed to grab headlines and attention from the wider world. But for esports fans, the key factor is the level of competition and broadcast that this year's event can deliver. Lessons have been learnt from year one, and this year the biggest focus for the Esports World Cup federation has been on the fan and player experience. 'The EWC spans seven weeks, 25 tournaments, over 20 different games, 2,000 players, 200 Clubs, and global fanbases,' said Reichert. 'Running them simultaneously under one roof, without compromising competitive integrity or viewer experience, is one of the most complex things you can do in sports or entertainment. [But] it starts with one goal: make this the best experience of [fan's and player's] lives. We design everything around the people, not just the games. Life-changing prize money motivates and grabs the headlines, but respect and personal care and attention earn loyalty. You don't become the biggest esports event in the world just by being big, you get there by making every player and fan feel like it's theirs.' With the first week of competition only just getting underway it's difficult to tell how successful this year's event will be when all is said and done, but the early signs are good. An expansion of the games played gives more players and fans a chance to experience the event, a larger prize pool, including a significant amount of support for clubs, gives the industry more financial stability and improved partnership programs means fans will get more content to enjoy and teams can earn even more cash. Another successful event would truly establish the Esports World Cup as the annual celebration of all things esports. The scepticism from year one, with this relatively unknown event promising a lot, is gone, and a successful second outing would prove this model is sustainable in the current ecosystem. That would be a big step for the esports scene after a tough few years post COVID, and the people involved are hoping they can continue to grow, not just the EWC, but the wider industry as well. 'The Esports World Cup is an incredible milestone, but it's not the final destination,' said HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. 'It's more like a crown jewel that shows what's possible. Our ambition is to continue growing and evolving, not just in terms of events but across the entire ecosystem. We want to see world champions from Saudi Arabia, both at the individual and team level. We want to support game developers, coaches, analysts, and content creators. We want to build national teams that compete at the highest level, and win. Most importantly, we want to keep this ecosystem open and accessible. Our aim is to inspire future generations, create opportunities, and lead the way in defining what the future of sport and entertainment can be.'
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Arslan Ash withdraws from Riyadh Clash, Evo Japan events due to visa issues
Arslan Ash, the globally renowned Tekken 8 champion from Pakistan, confirmed on Wednesday that he will miss two major esports tournaments in 2025—Riyadh's Gamers8 and Evo Japan—citing ongoing visa complications. Considered one of the best Tekken players in the world, Arslan Ash has been a dominant figure in the competitive fighting game scene. His withdrawal from both the Riyadh Clash and Evo Japan tournaments comes as a significant blow to fans and organisers alike, particularly after his commanding performance earlier this year on the global stage. In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Arslan Ash said, 'I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year." I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again. It's fine, I've learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change I hope to see you all at LevelUpExpo… — Arslan Ash (@ArslanAsh95) April 17, 2025 The 2025 editions of both Evo Japan and the Riyadh showdown were expected to be crucial fixtures in the Tekken World Tour circuit. Arslan's absence will not only impact tournament dynamics but may also open the door for new champions to emerge. Visa hurdles have been a recurring challenge for players from South Asia, limiting their access to international events despite their high skill level. Arslan's announcement has once again highlighted the broader issue of travel restrictions that affect esports athletes from developing nations. The Evo Japan tournament is scheduled for April, while the Riyadh event is expected to take place mid-year as part of Saudi Arabia's growing investment in global esports through its Gamers8 initiative. Despite the setback, Arslan Ash remains optimistic and has assured fans of his continued commitment to Tekken 8. He plans to focus on training and domestic tournaments while exploring alternative international events later in the season.
Arab News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
When pixels meet fabric: How gaming is reshaping fashion culture in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Gaming in Saudi Arabia is shaping fashion trends, influencing consumer behavior, and redefining personal identity among the Kingdom's youth. With nearly 70 percent of the population identifying as gamers, what began as a digital pastime has evolved into a lifestyle — and that lifestyle is now visible on the streets. According to a study by Power League Gaming and Ipsos, the relationship between gaming and fashion in the Kingdom is 'symbiotic and fast-evolving.' Global brands are now actively entering the Saudi gaming scene. In 2023, Adidas became the official merchandise partner of Gamers8, the Kingdom's largest gaming festival, co-branding esports jerseys and offering customizations on-site for fans. 'Gaming is culture in Saudi Arabia, and fashion is naturally blending into that culture,' said Matthew Pickering, CEO of Power League Gaming. For many gamers clothing has become an extension of their in-game identity. Whether it is a hoodie inspired by a favorite title or a jersey from a national team, Saudi gamers are increasingly expressing their digital passions in real life. Norah Shobili, a longtime gamer, noted that what started as basic T-shirts with logos has transformed into something deeper. Shobili said: 'Now it's more like game skins — rare, valuable, and connected to status. I once won the official Saudi Overwatch team shirt from the 2023 World Cup. I tried it on, then put it back — I'm planning to frame it because it's more valuable to me that way. It was a limited-edition piece sold only at the headquarters of Saudi electronic games.' This shift from novelty to lifestyle is especially visible in streetwear. Pickering said: 'Saudi gamers tend to gravitate toward casual, sporty clothing — limited-edition sneakers, graphic tees, hoodies tied to their favorite teams or games.' That style is not just for men. Nearly half of Saudi gamers are women, and many have merged modest fashion with gaming aesthetics — bold makeup inspired by game characters and culturally mindful outfits that still nod to the gamer identity. Gamer Roaa Al-Johani echoed this blend of style and sentiment, saying: 'It's not just about playing games. A lot of gamers show their love for gaming through how they dress. It's like wearing your passion out loud.' Shatha Al-Yousef, another gamer, shares that view. 'From my perspective I see the worlds of gaming and fashion as almost inseparable. Every gamer has some aesthetic sense that reflects who they are — whether in-game or in real life,' she said. 'It's not just about gameplay. Even your appearance has become part of what defines you as a gamer.' Still, this movement is relatively new in the Kingdom. 'I believe our community is now OK with whatever you wear if it doesn't have someone's face on it,' said Shobili. 'Other than that, dress however you like, and (you) will be stopped by someone who actually knows what you're wearing.' While global brands are jumping in, not all local voices are convinced of their authenticity. 'I've never really seen meaningful collaborations between fashion brands and Saudi gamers,' Shobili added. On the other hand, Al-Johani takes a more pragmatic view, saying: 'They're definitely commercial, but I honestly don't mind that. I love when people get to express what they're into — even if it's part of a trend.' Al-Yousef also finds value in wearing game-inspired clothing. She said: 'I've seen a few outfits inspired by games that were really unique, though sometimes they mix characters from anime or generalize the gamer image, which doesn't always feel accurate. 'Personally I love wearing pieces that connect me to my favorite characters — it makes me feel closer to the games I love.' Pickering believes authenticity is the differentiator. 'Successful campaigns are the ones that respect the community,' he said, pointing to projects like the Namshi x Adidas Fortnite Challenge, which generated over $1.4 million in sneaker sales and 39 million impressions. Another campaign with Maybelline New York targeted female gamers through a custom Fortnite challenge and increased conversion rates by over 3.6 percent. What sets the Saudi market apart is its youth and energy. More than half of Saudi gamers are between 15 and 24, compared to only 29 percent in the UAE. 'It's a young, dynamic audience that drives trends,' said Pickering. The market is also more gender-diverse than many might expect, significantly higher than in many neighboring markets. Looking ahead, both gamers and experts agree that the next phase in the evolution will come with the upcoming Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Speaking about the Overwatch World Cup, which was won by Saudi Arabia in 2023, Shobili said: 'After the OWWC, the gaming culture got more recognition by more people in the community, and with the Esport World Cup (around) the corner, many teams' ... supporters are going to be seen wearing clans' merchandise. 'I believe this is an opportunity for local designers to be part of this international event.' Al-Johani shares that hope, saying: 'I'd love to see more events and collaborations. It's so great when every group — gamers, anime fans, sports lovers — gets something that speaks to their interests.' The future of fashion, Pickering believes, may be born on gaming platforms. With the rise of AI, AR, and VR, gaming is becoming a testbed for virtual fashion — digital skins, avatar style, and virtual stores. 'We expect a future where a gamer in Jeddah shops a new collection in the metaverse, tries it on virtually, and receives both the in-game skin and real-world version at home,' he said. As lines blur between reality and virtual life, fashion brands that embrace this shift early — especially in tech-savvy, youth-driven markets like Saudi Arabia — are likely to define the next generation of style.
