PUBG Mobile and the Saudi Esports Federation have signed an MoU to integrate national tournaments into global competitions, paving the way for Saudi players to qualify for the $3M PUBG Mobile World Cup at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PUBG Mobile, one of the world’s most popular mobile battle royale games. This strategic partnership is set to open up unprecedented opportunities for local players, integrating national esports efforts with the game’s global competitive structure.
The key highlight of this agreement is the integration of the SEF’s Saudi eLeague into the PUBG Mobile National Championship (PMNC) framework. This development will provide a more direct pathway for Saudi Arabian players from grassroots levels to international competition. Most notably, the winner of the national championship will secure a coveted slot in the PUBG Mobile World Cup, which is scheduled to take place during the Esports World Cup in Riyadh this summer.
Set to run throughout July and August, the PUBG Mobile World Cup promises to be one of the largest competitive events in the game’s history, offering a massive $3 million (~£2.2 million) prize pool. The tournament will feature 24 of the best teams from around the globe, each battling it out for international glory in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s capital.
This partnership is part of a broader initiative by the Saudi Esports Federation to position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming. Over the past year, the SEF has actively pursued collaborations with major game publishers and industry stakeholders. In August 2024, the Federation signed a similar MoU with MOONTON Games, the developer behind Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to support the growth of that title’s ecosystem in the region.
The SEF has also made notable infrastructural investments to further its mission. These include the launch of the SEF Arena, a state-of-the-art venue that hosts major events such as the Saudi eLeague, and the establishment of the SEF Academy, an initiative dedicated to nurturing young esports talent and providing them with professional development opportunities.
HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, President of the Saudi Esports Federation, emphasized the strategic importance of the PUBG Mobile deal:
“The SEF continues to take bold steps to strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the global esports arena. Through strategic collaborations with leading titles such as PUBG Mobile, we are expanding opportunities for our players, building sustainable pathways to international competition, and accelerating the development of a dynamic and thriving esports ecosystem.”
This MoU between PUBG Mobile and the Saudi Esports Federation marks a pivotal moment for the country’s gaming community. It not only provides players with a platform to compete on the world stage but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a major force in the global esports industry.
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