How Esports became popular in Arab countries and what are the challenges

Esports is a term for competitive video gaming. It is very popular around the world including Arab countries. Esports players can win money and fame by playing games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and PUBG. Esports is also a big business, with revenues of $1.1 billion in 2020.

But how did esports become popular in Arab countries? What are the reasons for its growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? And what are the problems and opportunities for esports in this region?

The factors behind the popularity of esports in MENA

• A young and tech-savvy population. The MENA region has many young people who use the internet and social media a lot. These are important for esports. There are 377 million internet users and 160 million gamers in MENA. These gamers play for fun, socializing, learning, and career options.
• A supportive government and public investment. Some governments in MENA see esports as a way to improve the economy, the youth, and the culture. For example, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have done many things to support esports. They building venues, hosting tournaments, creating federations, and offering visas. These actions have brought talent, money, sponsors, and media to the region.
• A vibrant and diverse gaming community. The MENA region has a rich and varied gaming culture. Players enjoy different games and platforms. Some of the most popular games are PUBG Mobile, FIFA, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and League of Legends. The region also has many users on Twitch, a live streaming service for gamers. There are over five million users in the GCC countries. The region also has some of the best esports players in the world, such as Miracle-, Issa, and Msdossary.

The challenges facing esports in MENA

However, there are also some challenges that limit the potential of esports in MENA, such as:

• A lack of regulation and standardization. The esports industry in MENA is new and unregulated. This can cause risks for players, organizers, sponsors, and regulators. For example, there are no clear rules on things like player contracts, prize money, intellectual property rights, match-fixing, doping, gambling, taxes, and legal disputes. The issue of betting on esport events on Arab casino platforms also remains unsolved. This creates uncertainty and instability for the esports stakeholders and may stop further growth.
• A gap in infrastructure and accessibility. Although some countries in MENA have good esports venues and facilities, others do not. For example, some countries have low internet access or high latency rates. This affects the quality and speed of online gaming. Also, some countries have limited access to gaming consoles or PCs because of high costs or import restrictions. These factors reduce the participation and performance of gamers in the region and may make them fall behind their global peers.
• A need for more awareness and education. Despite the popularity of esports in MENA, there is still a lack of information about the benefits and opportunities of esports. For example, some people may think that esports is a waste of time or a bad habit. They may not see it as a real sport or a possible career path. Also, some people may face social or cultural barriers. Therefore, there is a need for more programs to inform and educate people about esports.

Esports is a booming industry that has gained popularity in Arab countries. It is possible because of various factors such as a young population, a supportive government, and a vibrant gaming community. But there are also some problems that need to be solved, such as a lack of regulation, a gap in infrastructure, and a need for more awareness.

By solving these problems, the MENA region can become a leader in esports, live casino games and enjoy its economic, social, and cultural benefits.