Saudi Esports Federation and KFC sign 3-year partnership

Aim is to push Saudi esports talent onto the global stage

September 11, 2023: The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have officially unveiled a three-year partnership dedicated to advancing Saudi talent onto the global esports stage, including a groundbreaking initiative for women gamers.

The collaboration will introduce a series of events and challenge-based initiatives designed to nurture fresh Saudi esports talent.

These initiatives will direct aspiring gamers into SEF’s esports development programmes, propelling their journey towards professional excellence.

As part of this alliance, SEF and KFC will also team up to enhance the gaming landscape through high-quality streamed content.

This will be facilitated through SEF’s streaming programme, Voices of Saudi Esports.

KFC’s involvement will elevate the platform by delivering engaging and entertaining gaming content through its Play KFC initiative. Audiences will be treated to branded streamed gameplay content featuring exciting KFC discounts and promotions.

Ahmed Albishri, Deputy CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “By nurturing emerging talents, promoting gender equality in gaming, and providing engaging content, this collaboration marks a significant stride towards building a robust gaming ecosystem in the Kingdom. 

“The Saudi Esports Federation and Play KFC are set to reshape the esports landscape in Saudi Arabia through this dynamic partnership”. 

A significant highlight of this collaboration is the launch of the ‘First Female Saudi E-League’, dedicated to championing and empowering female gamers in Saudi Arabia.

The top-performing team will enter the KFC X SEF accelerator programme, providing them with direct training from professional esports teams and trainers.

This unique initiative is set to elevate female gamers to the forefront of the gaming industry and provide them with a coveted spot at Gamers8, the biggest gaming and esports festival worldwide, in 2024.

Throughout the upcoming period, KFC will document the journey of these pioneering female gamers through an engaging content series, celebrating their growth, determination, and triumphs in the world of esports.

The second edition of Gamers8, an eight-week- entertainment extravaganza hosted at Boulevard Riyadh City featuring elite esports tournaments, live music concerts, and numerous attractions and activities, has recently concluded.

Ozge Zoralioglu, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC, Yum! Brands said: “At KFC, we’ve always believed in the magic of esports; hence, we created Play KFC as the ultimate platform to unite communities, ignite passions, and unveil talents.

“What truly sets Play KFC apart is the ‘First Female Saudi E-League,’ a realm that echoes our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment as we champion the growth of female gamers. Like our world-famous chicken, our partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation promises an experience that lingers, an impact that resonates, and a legacy that’s nothing short of extraordinary.”

Featured image: (L-R) Ozge Zoralioglu and Ahmed Albishri after signing the three-year partnership between their organisations in Riyadh City. Image: KFC

About Saudi Esports Federation (SEF):

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) is the regulating body in charge of nurturing elite gaming athletes and developing the gaming community and industry in Saudi Arabia.

The federation’s activities are categorised into two complementary streams. The first stream works to develop all levels of competitive gamers, starting with the grassroots community level and moving up to professional esports athletes who can achieve global excellence. The second stream works to develop the entire gaming/esports value chain by catalysing the industry and enabling talent. 

Since its establishment in late 2017, the federation has organised multiple world-class national and international tournaments and events, attracted investment from local private sector actors and worked with international developers on opportunities in the Saudi market. 

About KFC:

KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. is a global chicken restaurant brand with a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It all started with one cook, Colonel Harland Sanders, who created a finger-lickin’ good recipe more than 75 years ago, a list of secret herbs and spices scratched out on the back of the door to his kitchen.

Today, KFC still follows his formula for success, with real cooks breading and freshly preparing our delicious chicken by hand in more than 28,000 restaurants in more than 145 countries and territories worldwide.

KFC operates in the MENA region (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia), Turkey, Pakistan, and Central Asia, with over 1,400 franchised units.

Last Updated on 10 months by News Desk 1