The next World Forum forms part of the Gamers8 event held in Riyadh each year ©Getty Images

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) have extended their sponsorship deal with the Savvy Games Group, a company owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, for a second year.

The agreement was originally signed a year ago and is expected to focus on two major events in 2023, Gamers Without Borders (GWB) a virtual event which is taking place now and invites open qualification for Gamers8 The Land of Heroes, which is to be held from July.

"Last year, Gamers Without Borders and Gamers8 demonstrated the huge gaming market in Saudi Arabia and the enormous potential for growth for the industry," Saudi Esports chief executive Turki Al Fawzan said.

"With the extension of the partnership this year, there is so much to look forward to, whether it be for Saudi Arabian gamers or gamers across the globe."

GWB is claimed by the organisers to be the world’s largest charitable esports event and has been held for the last four years.

In previous years it had donated $30 million (£24 million/€27.6 million) to humanitarian causes including the relief of COVID-19 and vaccine distribution.

A further $10 million (£8.1 million/€9.21 million) has been earmarked for good causes in 2023,

Gamers8, which is to run from July 6 for eight weeks, offers a prize fund of $45 million (£36 million/€41.5 million).

It features virtual and in-person gaming, as well as live music performances at a purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City, which has been made ready to host the event.

The Gamers8 event in Riyadh also features music events which are followed online across the world ©Getty Images
The Gamers8 event in Riyadh also features music events which are followed online across the world ©Getty Images

"At Savvy, we are committed to driving the long-term growth and development of the global esports and games industry," Savvy chief executive Brian Ward said.

"We are excited to continue working closely with SEF to bring gaming enthusiasts an unforgettable experience and support its mission to build the largest esports festival in the world."

Gamers8 is scheduled to conclude with the 2023 "Next World Forum", a seminar which brings together gaming experts and leaders from across the world and is to be supported by Savvy as a presenting partner.

Organisers say this is aimed at addressing "the rise of thinking around impact-driven gaming."

As part of the deal, Savvy will also sponsor the Saudi national esports team, Saudi eLeagues, the Saudi Esports Academy, SEF awards and other initiatives.

In 2022, organisers claimed that Gamers8 was watched by a global audience of 132 million.

The event attracted a total of 391 professional players from more than 61 countries and 113 international teams.