Gamers8 Returns This Summer With $30M Total Prize Pool

Key insights

6 takeaways

01
The Saudi Esports Federation will host the 2023 Gamers8 festival in Riyadh, featuring a total prize pool exceeding $30 million.
02
The eight-week event, titled 'The Land of Heroes,' is scheduled to begin on July 6, 2023.
03
The 2023 prize pool represents a significant increase from the $15 million offered during the 2022 iteration of the festival.
04
Gamers8 is a key component of the Saudi Arabian government's 'National Gaming and Esports Strategy' and 'Vision 2030' initiative, which aims to establish the country as a global hub for the industry.
05
The festival will include esports competitions, live music, and gaming festivals, concluding with the industry-focused Next World Forum.
06
While specific game titles for 2023 are pending, the 2022 event featured major titles including Rocket League, Dota 2, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile.

Summary

The Saudi Esports Federation has announced the return of its annual gaming and esports festival, Gamers8, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting July 6, 2023. The event, titled "The Land of Heroes," will span eight weeks and feature a total prize pool exceeding $30 million USD. This represents a significant increase from the $15 million prize pool offered during the 2022 iteration of the festival.

The festival encompasses a broad range of activities, including professional esports tournaments, live music performances, community gaming events, and an industry-focused conference known as the Next World Forum. While specific titles for the 2023 competitions have yet to be disclosed, the previous year’s event hosted tournaments for major titles such as Rocket League, Dota 2, Fortnite, Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG Mobile.

This initiative is a core component of the Saudi Arabian government’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which was introduced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022. The strategy aims to establish the nation as a global hub for the gaming and esports industry by 2030, aligning with the broader "Vision 2030" framework designed to diversify the economy, create employment opportunities, and expand the country's entertainment sector. Despite international scrutiny regarding the geopolitical and human rights implications of Saudi-backed investments in the global gaming market, the festival continues to serve as a primary vehicle for the country's long-term investment in the sector.