This three-year partnership will provide aspiring gamers with direct access to SEF's esports development programmes.
Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have announced a three-year partnership with a primary focus on propelling local esports talent onto the global stage, including a special emphasis on fostering women gamers.
This collaboration will introduce a series of events and challenge-based initiatives meticulously crafted to nurture emerging esports talent in Saudi Arabia. These initiatives will provide aspiring gamers with a direct route to SEF’s esports development programmes.
As part of this alliance, SEF and KFC will join forces to enhance the gaming landscape by delivering high-quality streamed content. This will be facilitated through SEF’s streaming programme, Voices of Saudi Esports. KFC’s participation will be instrumental in elevating the platform by offering gaming content. Audiences will be treated to branded streamed gameplay content featuring KFC discounts and promotions.
Speaking about the deal and initiative, Ahmed Albishri, Deputy CEO of 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 highlight of this partnership is the launch of the ‘First Female Saudi E-League,’ a dedicated initiative aimed at championing and empowering female gamers in Saudi Arabia. The top-performing team in this league will gain entry into the KFC X SEF accelerator programme, offering them direct training from professional esports teams and trainers. This initiative is poised to elevate female gamers to the forefront of the gaming industry, granting them a coveted spot at Gamers8, the gaming and esports festival, in 2024.
The second edition of Gamers8, an eight-week-long extravaganza held at Boulevard Riyadh City, featuring elite esports tournaments, live music concerts, and a multitude of attractions, has recently concluded. In the upcoming period, KFC will document the journey of these pioneering female gamers through an engaging content series, celebrating their growth, determination, and achievements in the esports realm.
Ozge Zoralioglu, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC, Yum! Brands, added: “At KFC, we’ve always believed in the magic that esports brings to the table; hence we created PLAY KFC as the ultimate platform to unite communities, ignite passions, and unveil talents. But what truly sets PLAY KFC apart is the ‘First Female Saudi E-League,’ a realm that echoes our unwavering 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.”
