ESL FACEIT Group Opens New Regional Headquarters In Riyadh Amid Saudi ESports Boom

The launch marks a major step in EFG’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and its rapidly expanding esports ecosystem, further establishing Riyadh as a global capital of competitive gaming.

“Saudi Arabia has moved beyond participating in the industry, it is actively shaping and leading its future,” said Niccolo Maisto, CEO of ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business in August. “EFG’s presence in Saudi Arabia is both a reflection of this momentum and a catalyst for further growth.”

The new venue is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility designed to host leading esports tournaments, including the ESL Saudi Challenge and future international competitions. It will also serve as a hub for fans, players and creators to compete, learn and connect through shared events and experiences.

Spanning more than 1,000 square meters, the venue can accommodate over 500 guests. It features advanced production infrastructure, including more than 300 square meters of LED screens, and provides full-scale broadcast, tournament, and brand activation capabilities.

“Today marks an important moment not simply for EFG, but for the future of esports in Saudi Arabia,” Maisto said.

“We are committed to supporting the Kingdom’s vision, tapping into its energetic, young population to fuel major growth. With the opening of our new regional headquarters, we are establishing a new stage for our most exciting competitions, while helping to drive key infrastructure and localized content. We firmly believe Riyadh is becoming the global capital of esports, and we’re honored to play a leading role.”

The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Games and Esports Strategy, which targets 39,000 new jobs and a SAR50 billion contribution to GDP by 2030.

EFG said its new facility will function as a key regional hub for talent development, offering new opportunities for Saudi nationals in areas including broadcast production, content creation, Arabic localization, event operations, platform localisation and community management.

By prioritising local recruitment and skill-building, the company aims to help create a sustainable and competitive esports ecosystem in the Kingdom. The Riyadh studio is designed to host training programmes, mentorship initiatives and Arabic-language content production for global audiences.

“Walking into the new facility in Riyadh, I felt the energy of a new chapter and the opportunity for us as Saudi talent to shape the future of esports,” said Mohammed Alasiri, HR Director at EFG. “This studio isn’t just a building; it’s a hub for local ambition, global standards, and community growth.”

EFG’s global network brings together the legacies of ESL, FACEIT, and DreamHack, with a reach of 225 million fans, 522 million live-streamed hours and 3.8 billion online impressions in recent years.

“EFG has been a core part of esports in KSA from the very beginning, including Gamers Without Borders and most recently as the Official Operating Partner of the Esports World Cup,” Maisto added.

“We were here for the past, we are doubling down on our investment for the present, and we are committed to building the future of esports in KSA. This studio is a physical testament to that commitment, allowing us to effectively bridge local Saudi audiences and competitions with our global fanbase and events, creating highly attractive, long-term engagement opportunities for international and local brands.”

ESL FACEIT Group operates a portfolio of live events, digital platforms, and developer tools that connect players, fans, and creators around the world. Through its new Riyadh headquarters, the company said it is expanding its presence in the Middle East while reinforcing its role in supporting the Kingdom’s vision for the future of esports.