Qiddiya will be the ‘Nexus Partner’ for the SEF-organised Gamers8: The Land of Heroes – the world’s most lucrative esports festival with a record prize pool of $45m – which runs for eight weeks this summer starting July 6 at Boulevard Riyadh City. The festival concludes with the Next World Forum – a gaming and esports symposium – bringing together sector leaders and experts from around the world who can experience various on-site activations.
Gamers8 will feature a series if esports competitions as well as live music concerts and a multitude of other attractions and activities.
Turki Al-Fawzan, SEF chief executive, said: “The Saudi Esports Federation is delighted to announce Qiddiya as our Nexus Partner for Gamers8: The Land of Heroes. The new entertainment landmark is sure to play a starring role in the sustained rise of gaming and esports across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the years ahead.
“Given our shared vision for growing this increasingly vibrant and influential sector and providing new opportunities to all, we have absolute confidence that our partnership will be a resounding success and one that ensures the second edition of Gamers8 leaves behind a lasting legacy.”
Qiddiya, which is an entertainment, sports, and culture hub, is being built on the doorstep of Riyadh and will feature a racetrack, the world’s largest Six Flags theme park and a host of venues, attractions and facilities. A new stadium will host games at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Abdullah AlDawood, Qiddiya managing director, said: “Our partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation shows our commitment to Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the Next World Forum and to gaming fans and entertainment enthusiasts around the world. Through such partnerships, Qiddiya aims to become the leading entertainment, sports and cultural destination globally, while also fulfilling the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 that seeks to build an ambitious nation with a vibrant society and a thriving economy. I invite everyone to watch this space closely as Qiddiya has exciting plans for gaming and esports that we hope to announce later this year.”