Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports (AUE) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has seen a substantial surge in participation, with 2,194 students engaging in the 2024 tournaments, marking a significant 57% growth from the previous season. MENATech Entertainment, the Middle East division of GGTech Entertainment, shared this remarkable achievement, with over 100 teams signing up for the competitions.
AUE, a global initiative spanning 26 countries, aims to cater to the burgeoning esports industry’s diverse demands by providing university students with competitive platforms. Not only does it cultivate camaraderie through online and offline events, but it also serves as a launchpad for students to gain early exposure in various professional domains such as programming, design, marketing, and law.
In a bid to enhance inclusivity, AUE welcomed over 10 new universities from KSA, reflecting its commitment to diversify and expand the talent pool in the esports community. Globally, AUE has impacted over 100,000 students across 2,600 universities, with GGTech’s involvement extending its reach to over 600,000 registered participants in various competitions.
AUE distinguishes itself by promoting collaboration and community among students through a diverse array of games like FIFA, VALORANT, and PUBG Mobile, fostering both academic and social connections. With 85% of gaming enthusiasts in the MENA region engaged, AUE recognizes KSA’s potential as an emerging esports hub. The nation is poised to solidify its position by hosting the Esports World Cup in 2024 and constructing the groundbreaking ‘Qiddiya City Esports Arena’, the world’s first stadium dedicated to immersive gaming experiences.
The esports market in KSA, valued at $1 billion in 2021, is projected to soar to $6.8 billion by 2030, driven by initiatives like the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to bolster the economy and create thousands of job opportunities.
Mario Perez,
CEO of MENA Tech Entertainment, emphasized the booming esports industry, mirroring the growth within AUE. He expressed eagerness to deepen collaboration with KSA universities, citing the enthusiastic response from teams and participants as a testament to AUE’s increasing influence within the educational sphere.
Looking ahead, GGTech aims to sustain growth and expand its reach to more students in the region, with the return of AUE Masters providing an opportunity for gamers to showcase their skills and network with peers, further cementing the region’s status as a gaming hub. Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports is supported by leading publishers and brands such as Riot Games and Shahid.
