The esports industry has experienced a surge in popularity worldwide, with its market value expected to reach billions of dollars. Qatar, in particular, is emerging as a prominent player in esports within the Middle East, a region that is rapidly becoming a hotspot for the industry.
While Saudi Arabia has already taken the lead with its $38 billion strategy to establish itself as an esports hub, Qatar has been making significant progress in developing its own esports scene. Tech companies, video game publishers, and esports tournament organizers have been actively involved in hosting competitions across the Middle East since the region first official esports event, the 2015 ESL ESEA Pro League invitational held in Dubai.
In Qatar, the Qatar Esports Federation (QESF) was launched at the end of 2021 with the aim of increasing community participation and advancing esports in the country. QESF has signed an agreement with QUEST, a local esports company, to expand the talent pool through support, training, and more frequent live competitions. This initiative also provides talented athletes with a clear pathway to professional advancement and the opportunity to represent Qatar in international competitions.
Experts from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering (CSE) and the University of South Carolina have studied the rapid rise of esports, the industry potential for growth in the Middle East, and the steps Qatar can take to develop its esports sector sustainably. They emphasize that major organizations like Formula 1, FIFA, NFL, and NBA have already established their own esports teams and competitive tournaments, with giants such as EA Sports entering the market years ago.
Esports has gained further recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which classified it as a sporting activity in 2017. The IOC is even considering featuring esports in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, aiming to attract younger generations to the Olympic Games. Furthermore, esports is set to become a medal event at the delayed 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, which Doha will host in 2030.
According to Deloitte, the global esports market was valued at $942.34 million in 2020, and it is projected to grow to $4,758.99 million by 2030.
To ensure the sustainable growth of the esports industry in Qatar, experts stress the importance of establishing an institutional and legal framework that distinguishes esports from regular video game play. They suggest accurately classifying and defining virtual variations of sports, creating appropriate regulations, involving relevant stakeholders, and developing dedicated go-to-market strategies.
Building a qualified workforce to manage the esports industry is also critical. Students in the joint Master degree program in Sport and Entertainment Management offered by HBKU and the University of South Carolina gain practical experience in this emerging industry. The program covers topics such as team and athlete management, digital media usage for marketing and monetizing esports, and strategic application of sport management knowledge.
The experts believe that Qatar potential to become a leading esports hub lies in its existing sports and technological infrastructure. They assert that developing an esports culture aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, fostering the broader sports ecosystem, youth development, inclusivity, and accessibility. The collaboration and partnership within Qatar and the wider region could position it as an international hub for esports.
Moreover, the benefits of esports extend beyond the economic aspect. Studies have shown that esports offers students opportunities to engage in STEM fields, providing a unique way to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Gaming can enhance skills such as math, visual perception, memory, and focus, leading to various cognitive benefits.