As the popularity of esports continues to grow globally, new leagues are sprouting up around the world. The latest league, announced this week, will launch in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.
A New Era for Esports
The Emirates E-Sports Federation, in collaboration with ITW Universe, announced the launch of the E-Gaming League (EGL), which it says will be a pioneering esports league set to debut in March 2025 in the UAE. According to a media release issued by the federation, the league founders were inspired by major sports leagues like the NBA, EPL, and IPL.
Like those leagues, the EGL will implement a unique franchise-based draft system aimed at redefining competitive gaming. This draft model will be the first of its kind in esports, promoting competitive balance while nurturing new talent.
“The EGL will unify publishers, players, organizers, and brands to shape the future of esports in the region,” said His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates E-Sports Federation.
Formation of the League
Initially, the league will feature six franchise teams competing across various game genres, including multiplayer online battle arena, first-person shooter, sports, and racing. Although headquartered in the Middle East, the teams will be internationally based.
Global qualifiers will kick off in early 2025, providing top amateur players a chance to earn spots in the player draft and compete alongside international stars.
“The EGL will set a new global benchmark, making the UAE a key destination for esports talent and innovation,” said Vivek Chandra, Director of ITW Universe.
Tapping Into Esports Growth
With the PC and Games market generating $92 billion in revenue in 2023, the EGL aims to elevate esports to new heights by incorporating proven sports frameworks, creating a sustainable ecosystem for talent development and global competition.
“The EGL goes beyond a tournament—it’s an immersive entertainment experience with fan zones, community events, and live performances, elevating esports to mainstream sports entertainment,” said Nayeem Khan, Head of Gaming/Esports at ITW Universe.
Field Is Getting Crowded
While the EGL has plans to be unique, it is only the latest of many esports leagues to launch in the last decade and the second in a week to do so with funding coming from the Middle East.
Last week Asia’s largest esports company, VSPO, launched the Asian Champions League (ACL), an international multi-title esports tournament. That venture was backed by a sizable investment from Saudi Arabia and His Royal Highness, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, (Vice Chairman of the Savvy Games Group) was named the league’s Honorary Chairman.
“A key focus of ACL is to create more opportunities for top teams from different Asian countries to compete throughout the year,” said Jonny Wang, ACL’s new Chief Executive. “More high-stake regional rivalries are something that fans would love to see and what we want to deliver through ACL.”
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