PUBG Mobile and Saudi Esports Federation sign MoU to develop ecosystem

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with mobile battle royale title PUBG Mobile.

As a result of the deal, the partnership will provide ‘unprecedented opportunities’ for players based in Saudi Arabia.

Thanks to the partnership, the Federation’s Saudi eLeague tournament circuit will integrate into the PUBG Mobile National Championship ecosystem with the aim of improving the Kingdom’s pathway from grassroots to professional esports.

The winner of the National Championship will qualify for a place at the PUBG Mobile World Cup, taking place as part of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh throughout July and August.

The PUBG Mobile World Cup will feature a $3m (~£2.2m) prize pool and 24 teams from across the world competing in one of the biggest competitions for the battle royale title.

Over the past year, the Saudi Esports Federation has signed several deals with various industry stakeholders to grow the Kingdom’s ecosystem and to ensure long-term sustainability. In August 2024, the Federation signed a MoU with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer MOONTON Games with the aim of encouraging industry growth.

More recently, the federation opened the SEF Arena which plays host to Saudi eLeague and the SEF Academy, an initiative designed to develop young talent.

“The SEF continues to take bold steps to strengthen the Kingdom’s leadership in the global esports arena,” said HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar, President of the Saudi Esports Federation.

“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.”