Riyadh witnessed the opening of the SEF Arena, an event considered a major turning point in the development of esports in Saudi Arabia and the region. The launch is seen as a strategic milestone ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Esports World Cup. At the opening ceremony, the CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation described the arena as "the place where champions are made," emphasizing that it will be a launching pad for Saudi talent to reach the global level. The SEF Arena is located in Riyadh City Boulevard and spans over 34,000 square meters. Designed to be an integrated destination for gaming enthusiasts, it includes: * • Five halls dedicated to tournaments, each with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators. * • A main hall with a capacity of approximately 2,200 fans. * • Advanced training spaces. * • Spectator areas, restaurants, cafes, and shops. * • A permanent center for the Saudi Esports Academy * • The arena is equipped with the latest display and broadcasting technology, and is among the largest and most advanced in the world for esports. Partnerships have been announced with prominent Saudi teams in the scene: * • Team Falcons: will benefit from training facilities and fan events within the arena. * • Twisted Minds: will use the arena to strengthen its competitive presence. * • R8 Esports: aims to expand its international participation. * • The Ultimates: seeks to develop its talent within a professional environment. * • Savvy Games Group: will contribute to organizing tournaments and attracting international events. These partnerships aim to: * • Provide a stable, professional environment for training and competition. * • Support the administrative and financial stability of the teams. * • Raise the level of Saudi players through continuous training and competition. * • Increase audience engagement and build a stronger fan base. * • Attract technology and sports investments to the local market. The SEF Arena will be the official home of the new Saudi Esports League in 2025. All official matches will be held there, giving the league a professional and organized feel. The arena will also host grand finals, fan experiences, and events for influencers and creators, making it a permanent entertainment hub for gaming fans in Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the participating teams agreed that the opening of the SEF Arena is a true game-changer and a platform that will propel Saudi teams towards global competition. The SEF Arena affirms the Kingdom's ambition to be a global leader in gaming and esports and represents a new step toward a future filled with opportunity and creativity. Mehdi Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
