RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors have signed an agreement for the company, the Kingdom’s authorized Toyota dealership, to become a strategic partner of this summer’s Gamers8: The Land of Heroes event.
The partnership will include showcases of innovative technologies during an event that is described as the world’s biggest gaming and esports festival, which began on July 6 and continues for eight weeks at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Organized by the federation, Gamers8: The Land of Heroes features elite video game tournaments, in addition to live concerts from major global, regional and local musical acts, and many other activities and attractions.
The total prize pool for the competitions during the event is $45 million, which is triple that of last year’s inaugural Gamers8. The festival will conclude with the Next World Forum, a gaming and esports convention at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center on Aug. 30 and 31.
“The Saudi Esports Federation is delighted to confirm Abdul Latif Jameel Motors as a strategic partner for Gamers8: The Land of Heroes,” said Omar Batterjee, the federation’s director of corporate communications and public relations.
“Welcoming such an illustrious company and leading entity from Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector is a testament not only to the remarkable evolution of Gamers8 but also to the willingness of our Kingdom’s wider business community to join us on our mission to break new barriers in the world of gaming and esports
“We are incredibly excited to embark on this collaboration journey alongside Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. We believe our combined efforts and activities on the ground will contribute greatly to the influence, impact and success of our second season, as well as enhance cooperation between our two industries, which will be central to the Kingdom’s sustained economic growth and development in the years ahead.”
Abdul Latif Jameel Motors said it aims to engage with a young audience during the event through unique and fun activities, while also promoting the GR MENA Cup, the final regional stage ahead of the GR GT Cup, an esports motor racing tournament organized by Toyota.
The GR MENA Cup will take place in October in Jordan, during which digital racers from the region will compete for a place at the GR GT Cup in November in Japan.
“This groundbreaking partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 as it supports the Quality of Life Program,” said Munir Khoja, managing director of marketing communication at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors.
“The agreement also signifies the convergence of automotive excellence and esports. We look forward to finding opportunities to engage with the youth of Saudi through our vehicles while creating unique and exciting experiences (and) together, we embark on a journey that redefines the boundaries of gaming and mobility, paving the way for a new era of possibilities.”