Gerard Piqué Champions Esports Growth During Saudi Arabia Visit
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Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Former Spanish football icon Gerard Piqué is forging a new career path in the rapidly expanding world of esports. Three years after retiring from professional football,Piqué is now a prominent figure in gaming and electronic sports,demonstrating a strategic shift towards the digital arena.
Piqué Praises Saudi Arabia’s esports Infrastructure
During a recent visit to Riyadh,Piqué attended the 2025 World Cup for electronic sports. He lauded the Kingdom’s organizational capabilities and commitment to fostering the growth of competitive gaming.”The experience of attending the event on the ground is wholly different from watching it on television,” Piqué stated. ”The atmosphere here is extraordinary by all accounts.”
Piqué actively participated in a show match alongside football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Kaká, supporting kaká’s team during gameplay of EA SPORTS FC 25. He also made an appearance on the EWC Spotlight program, broadcast from Boulevard Riyadh City.
Kings League Expansion into the Arab Region
Piqué, the founder of the innovative “Kings League,” and a key participant in establishing the Movistar Koi esports team, emphasized the importance of the esports sector, particularly its appeal to younger audiences. “Electronic sports are an notable sector and targets young people mainly, and although it is still in its early stages, the enthusiasm and turnout are amazing,” he noted.
He revealed plans to expand the Kings League into the Arab region, with upcoming participation from teams representing Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Jordan, Kuwait, and Egypt. The concept blends conventional football elements with the immersive experience of electronic games,capitalizing on the region’s passion for both sports.
Did You Know? Approximately 85 percent of Piqué’s fanbase is under the age of 35, highlighting the demographic alignment with the esports community.
The NGSC2025 Conference and the Future of Esports
Piqué’s visit coincided with the conclusion of the inaugural NGSC2025,a global sports conference uniting leaders and decision-makers from both traditional and electronic sports. The conference served as a platform to chart the future trajectory of this burgeoning industry.
Piqué expressed his excitement about the potential for growth in the region, stating, “We are very excited to be here, and we see that the Kingdom and the region are the perfect place to expand our project.”
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Esports World Cup Participation | 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| EA SPORTS FC 25 Show Match | 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| NGSC2025 Conference | 2025 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
Pro Tip: Understanding the intersection of traditional sports and esports is crucial for investors and brands looking to tap into the youth market.
What role do you see traditional sports figures playing in the growth of esports? And how will the Arab region contribute to the global esports landscape?
The esports industry is experiencing exponential growth, projected to reach over $1.62 billion in revenue by 2028 (Newzoo, 2023). This growth is fueled by increasing viewership, sponsorship opportunities, and the professionalization of competitive gaming. Piqué’s involvement signals a broader trend of athletes and celebrities recognizing the potential of esports as a viable and lucrative career path. The fusion of traditional sports principles with the digital realm is creating innovative leagues and formats, attracting a new generation of fans and participants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gerard Piqué and Esports
- What is Gerard Piqué doing now? Piqué is focusing on his ventures in the esports industry,including the Kings League and Movistar Koi.
- What is the Kings League? The Kings League is a unique esports league founded by Piqué that combines elements of traditional football with gaming.
- Why is Saudi Arabia investing in esports? Saudi Arabia is strategically investing in esports as part of its vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and attract young talent.
- What is the NGSC2025 conference? The NGSC2025 is a global conference bringing together leaders in traditional and electronic sports to discuss the future of the industry.
- How is Piqué contributing to the growth of esports? Piqué is leveraging his influence and experience to promote esports, create innovative leagues, and attract investment.
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