The UAE’s status as a fast-rising gaming hub globally is expected to get a major leg up in 2024, with True Gamers, a leading international network of esports clubs, gearing up to hold the first gaming competitions between countries in the Gulf region this year.
This follows close on the heels of True Gamers hosting the first amateur esports tournament between Dubai and Sharjah in the first round early this month.
Though the schedule for the forthcoming gaming competitions among Gulf countries is yet to be revealed, True Gamers top executives hinted that it could be in the first half of the year.
“We plan to organise competitions between the countries of the Arabian Gulf early in 2024,” Anton Vasilenko, CEO and co-founder of True Gamers, told Arabian Business.
The gaming club network is also planning to hold amateur esports tournaments among more emirates in the UAE this year.
Industry experts said the latest initiatives on holding a series of global-level competitions are significant as they come amid forecasts of UAE’s esports industry growing to become a multi-million industry over the next five-year period, and to become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally.
Dubai vs. Sharjah: Inaugural esports showdown
The inaugural inter-emirate gaming tournament for amateurs between Dubai and Sharjah saw the participation of as many as 27 teams from various clubs, competing for not only to win attractive prize monies but, more importantly, to get selected to become professional gamers.
Sharjah Al Zahi, Dubai International City Pavilion, Dubai Damac Hills 2, Dubai Villa Nova, and Dubai Blue Waters were among the clubs which competed in the first inter-emirate tournament.
The fortnight tournament for amateurs was closely followed by an FC 24 tournament, where 20 players fought for the title of the best.
True Gamers’ ensured that the tournaments were held according to global standards by providing advanced equipment for both tournaments.
While Sharjah Al Zahi club members used the Logitech G Pro X Superlight wireless system, PRO-X keyboard, and PRO X gaming headset, players from the Dubai International City Pavilion club utilised the HyperX Pulsefire Haste and Pulsefire Surge headsets, HyperX Alloy Origins, and HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboards, along with the HyperX Cloud II Alpha gaming headset.
Amateur tournaments boost gaming culture
“Tournaments for amateur gamers are pivotal in fostering gaming culture, establishing the gamer community, and stimulating the industry,” Vlad Belyanin, Co-founder of True Gamers, told Arabian Business.
“Participation in tournaments on contemporary platforms can be an excellent launch pad for those aspiring for a professional esports career,” he said, adding that “True Gamers, through its initiative, wants to offer fresh opportunities for gamers in the UAE”.
Belyanin also highlighted the fact that the UAE encourages these initiatives, aiding in attracting global business and nurturing local talent.
“We kept our promise and held the first tournament among the emirates. This historic moment for UAE gaming underscored how a passion for games and the drive for victory can unite cities.”
The True Gamers’ top executive said their main goal is to create a culture of esports in the region, and to help the youth to develop in gaming, giving them a chance to show their talent and proudly represent their region and country.
Vasilenko said True Gamers intends to contribute to this development by organising more tournaments in the country and region.
“Having made a breakthrough and organised the first amateur esports tournament between Dubai and Sharjah, True Gamers will continue to support the UAE’s esports industry to become one of the fastest-growing gaming markets [globally], he said.
According to Statista forecasts, the UAE esports market will amount to close to $400 million in 2027.
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