Players and clubs:The spirit of Esports

Esports has grown from a niche hobby into a billion-dollar industry, attracting global attention with its rapid rise. At the heart of this transformation are the players and clubs who are redefining what competitive gaming means. Their influence extends beyond the game, shaping the industry’s structure, business models, and fan engagement. Saudi Arabia is at the center of this growth. With major investments, government-backed initiatives, and local talent making an impact on the global stage, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a key Esports hub. Clubs like Team Falcons and players such as Mosaed “MSdossary7” Al-Dossary are leading this shift, proving that the region is not just participating, but competing to win.

Key players and clubs

Success in Esports doesn’t happen overnight. Players like Johan "N0tail" Sundstein, the highest-earning Esports player, and Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, a five-time League of Legends World Champion, have become icons in competitive gaming. They have built their reputations through skill, discipline, and consistent performance. Their stories go beyond winning titles as they reflect the focus, adaptability, and strategic thinking required to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape.

Global clubs like T1, Team Liquid, G2, Team Vitality, Gen.G, and FaZe Clan provide the support players need to succeed. In the Middle East, clubs such as Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, Nasr, and Geekay Esports are showing that the region’s talent can compete and succeed at the highest levels, driven by players like Amjad "AngryBird" Al Shalabi, Mohammed "trk511" Alotaibi, and Mosaed “MSdossary7” Al-Dossary.

FaZe Clan

One of the most recognisable brands in Esports, FaZe Clan emerged in 2010 in the United States and quickly gained fame through its success in FPS games like Call of Duty, CS, and Fortnite. Alongside its competitive achievements, the organisation built a massive following with a lifestyle brand and popular merchandise line. In April 2024, FaZe Clan revamped its operations, refocusing on Esports and streamlining its content creation efforts.

T1

Formerly known as SK Telecom T1, T1 was founded in 2003 in South Korea and has since become a powerhouse in the LoL scene. With a roster that includes legendary player Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, T1 has won multiple LoL World Championships and has become one of the most successful Esports clubs in the world.

Team Liquid

Founded in 2000 in the Netherlands, Team Liquid is one of the world's oldest and most successful Esports organisations. With teams competing in various games, including DOTA 2, LoL, and Counter-Strike, Team Liquid has become a global brand with numerous achievements; including winning DOTA 2’s pinnacle event, The International, in 2017 and 2024. Team Liquid is also the proud owner of Liquipedia, the most comprehensive Esports wiki, which has received numerous awards for its contributions to the industry and is a go-to resource for players, fans, and analysts.

Gen.G

Founded in 2017 in South Korea, Gen.G Esports is a global Esports organisation with headquarters in Los Angeles, Seoul, and Shanghai. Competing in titles like LoL, Valorant, and PUBG, its achievements include winning the PUBG Global Invitational 2018, LoL Mid-Seasonal Invitational 2024, and consistent top-four finishes at LoL Worlds. Gen.G is known for initiatives like the Gen.G Global Academy, the first integrated academic Esports program, and #TeamBumble, supporting women in gaming, driving an inclusive future for Esports.

Challenges and a promising future for competitive gaming

The industry comes with its share of challenges. One of the most pressing concerns is player welfare, with issues such as burnout, mental health, and financial stability becoming increasingly important as the stakes continue to rise.These challenges are driving clubs to rethink how they operate, focus on creating healthier environments for players, and develop more stable financial models. The question isn’t whether Esports will survive; it’s how it will evolve.