Saudi Arabia’s ambitious real estate project, Qiddiya, has made a significant move in the esports and gaming industry by appointing Mike Milanov, the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Team Liquid, as the Chairman of its Gaming and Esports Advisory Board.
This strategic decision aims to transform Qiddiya City into a global hub for esports enthusiasts.
Milanov’s role will be pivotal in developing Qiddiya Gaming, an expansive gaming and esports district within the city. As revealed on LinkedIn, this new district will feature four gaming arenas, gaming-themed hotels, esports clubs, and headquarters for various video game companies. The vision for Qiddiya Gaming aligns with the city’s broader goal to become a central hub for entertainment, sports, and culture.
Designed by the renowned architecture and design practice Populous, known for their work on Esports Stadium Arlington and Fortress Melbourne, Qiddiya’s central esports arena is expected to be a marvel. It will boast over 5,000 seats and zones dedicated to various activities, including arcade gaming, dining, retail, and immersive entertainment experiences.
Milanov brings a wealth of experience to Qiddiya, having started as a professional gamer in World of Warcraft before moving into esports business operations.
His tenure at Team Liquid saw him evolve from an Esports Manager at Azubu to a Director of Operations, playing a critical role in the organization’s development over seven years.
Saudi Arabia’s aggressive push into esports and gaming, exemplified by megacity projects like Qiddiya, has not been without controversy. Past partnerships, such as those with BLAST and the LCS, were canceled due to community backlash over Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ and women’s rights.
Despite these challenges, the country continues to invest heavily in the sector as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
Qiddiya City, located near Riyadh and backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, is set to host a variety of entertainment and sporting events.
Qiddiya Gaming is one of several initiatives launched in 2023 to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global esports landscape.
This includes hosting the World Esports Championship 2024 and partnering with major esports events like the Gamers8 series. With Milanov at the helm, Qiddiya City’s gaming district is poised to become a significant destination for gamers and esports fans worldwide.
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