True Gamers, an esports lounge, has recently secured a $45 million investment in an effort to expand the esports scene in Saudi Arabia. The initiative involves creating over 150 esports clubs across the KSA.
This significant investment comes from CEO of investment firm Falak, Nawaf Albishri. The deal outlines the development of international esports tournaments within True Gamers’ facilities and the enhancement of the gaming and competitive experience for players.
Founded in 2019 by Anton Vasilenko and Vlad Belyanin, True Gamers has steadily expanded its network, currently boasting over 120 esports lounges across the UAE and Eastern Europe. This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to democratizing esports and making it accessible to a broader audience in the KSA and beyond.
Democratizing Esports
“The expansion into Saudi Arabia will elevate True Gamers’ global presence and play a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the Kingdom’s esports industry,” said CPO and co-founder, Belyanin. “We at True Gamers value cybersport enthusiasts, and we are honored to bring new opportunities for such people in the Kingdom and develop the gaming culture to the next level.”
The co-founder adds that, “By providing unparalleled gaming experiences and hosting premier eSports tournaments, True Gamers will attract new players, raise the profile of eSports, and foster a vibrant gaming community within Saudi Arabia.”
CEO Vasilenko highlighted that the franchise agreement with Nawaf Albishri marks “a significant step towards popularizing cybersports,” and that True Gamers aims to not only democratize esports but make it accessible to a wider audience.
Having established Cluborg Group, a multi-brand holding in 2015, both Vasilenko and Belyanin are now looking to capitalize on the Saudi gaming market, which is expected to reach nearly $2.8 billion by 2026. The KSA also boasts a gamer population of 21 million, which is around 58% of its total population.
