ESL FACEIT Group Opens Regional Office in Riyadh

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has opened a new regional headquarters and flagship esports venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to serve as a hub for regional operations and international competition.
02
The new 1,000-square-meter facility features a 500-seat capacity, 300 square meters of LED screens, and full production capabilities for broadcasts and brand activations.
03
EFG is owned by Savvy Games Group, which is fully controlled by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
04
The expansion supports the Saudi government’s 'National Games & Esports Strategy' and Vision 2030, which targets the creation of 39,000 jobs and a SAR 50 billion (approximately $13.3 billion USD) contribution to the national GDP.
05
The Riyadh office will focus on fostering local grassroots, scholastic, and collegiate-level talent while hosting events like the ESL Saudi Challenge.
06
This move marks a long-term commitment by EFG to establish Riyadh as a global capital for the esports industry.

Summary

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) has officially established a new regional headquarters and flagship esports venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This expansion serves as a strategic move to solidify the company’s presence in the region, foster local talent across grassroots and collegiate levels, and provide a dedicated space for hosting both regional and international esports competitions. The initiative aligns with the Saudi Arabian government’s broader National Games & Esports Strategy, which aims to contribute SAR 50 billion (approximately $13.3 billion USD) to the national GDP and create over 39,000 jobs by 2030.

The new facility spans 1,000 square meters and is equipped with production capabilities for major broadcasts and brand activations. It features a seating capacity for over 500 guests and includes more than 300 square meters of LED screens. This infrastructure is intended to support the growth of the local esports ecosystem while positioning Riyadh as a central hub for global competitive gaming.

EFG is owned by Savvy Games Group, which is fully controlled by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund. While the expansion is framed as a commitment to the region's young population and infrastructure development, it occurs within the context of ongoing international scrutiny regarding the Saudi government’s human rights record. The opening of these offices represents a significant milestone in the Kingdom's long-term efforts to diversify its economy through the gaming and entertainment sectors.