Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games: 56 countries and 236 players assembled for ‘pinnacle professional esports event’ in Saudi capital

he #worldconnected gaming community is assembled in Saudi Arabia’s capital city ahead of the Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games (#GEG23), the flagship multi-title competition that gets underway tomorrow.

Hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and presented by the Global Esports Federation (GEF), #GEG23 is destined to deliver an extraordinary spectacle on the grandest stage of international esports, live from Saudi eLeagues, Riyadh. Running until December 16, #GEG23 hosts five sensational tournaments across world-renowned titles including Dota 2, eFootball™️ 2024, PUBG MOBILE, and Street Fighter 6.

Yet what makes #GEG23 even more compelling, intriguing, and unique is that every team and athlete represents their respective country. A star-studded cast comprising some of the greatest nations and biggest names in all of esports are vying for glory, with 56 countries and 236 players appearing in the annual showpiece.

“Bringing so many countries and athletes together emphasizes the enormity of the Global Esports Games – it is a major international event that ranks alongside a select few as a pinnacle of professional esports,” said Saudi Esports Federation CEO, Turki Al-Fawzan.

“Following its success in hosting multiple epic tournaments, Riyadh will be hosting five days of thrilling action. Intense battles and unforgettable moments await audiences, with huge prize pools, global supremacy, and the status of ‘world’s best’ all on the line. We couldn’t be more excited to host an event of this magnitude. Unmissable tournaments and an epic event are about to begin.”

Exactly like previous incarnations of the event, #GEG23 welcomes teams and athletes from around the globe. Of the 56 countries being represented in the coming week, eight are from Africa, 12 from the Americas, and 18 from Asia. Europe also has 17 representatives while Oceania hopes rest with Australia and New Zealand.

From Brazil, Japan, Thailand, and Ukraine to Malaysia, Poland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, such a strong and competitive field aligns with GEF’s enduring vision to promote the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports.

"The Global Esports Games is an empowering platform where nations converge in the digital arena, showcasing not only world-class competition but also exemplifying the power of unity through esports,” added Global Esports Federation President, Chris Chan. “The Games illustrate that esports transcends borders and cultures now more than ever, and we’re thrilled that so many teams and athletes from various countries and continents are competing.”

Flying the flag for the Middle East at #GEG23 is Saudi Arabia alongside the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. With the Kingdom boasting some of the very best regional talent across titles, hopes are high that Saudi Arabia can further establish itself on the world stage with impressive showings in each tournament.

A convergence of esports, sports, technology, entertainment, culture, and the #worldconnected gaming community, #GEG23 promises to deliver an extraordinary spectacle on the grandest stage of global esports alongside key partners. Supporting #GEG23 is Savvy Games Group as Presenting Partner, TCL as Main Partner, Qiddiya as Nexus Partner, and both stc play and KFC as a Strategic Partner.

For SEF, hosting #GEG23 aligns with its long-term vision for developing the gaming and esports industry in Saudi Arabia and building long-lasting connections with the global industry. With so many local, regional, and international teams and athletes set to compete, #GEG23 is also certain to advance SEF’s enduring efforts to nurture a vibrant gaming community, empower talent, recognize champions, enable best-in-class competitions, and provide new opportunities across the ecosystem as per the National Gaming and Esports Strategy.