This brand-new Legacy Museum in Riyadh celebrates all things gaming
Entry is free…
Get ready to step into the history of gaming. Whether you’re a noob or you’ve been levelling up your experience points for years, a new museum celebrating all things gaming will have something for you.
Enter the Legacy Museum at the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City in Riyadh. It documents the SEF’s history since its formation in 2017 and celebrates the Kingdom’s impact on the global gaming and esports industry.
Here’s what you can expect at the Legacy Museum.
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The space features different sections. Start with the ‘Moments in Saudi Arabian Esports’, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pictured announcing the Esports World Cup at The New Global Sports Conference in October 2023. The Crown Prince is also showcased, emphasising the significance of the gaming and esports industry and Saudi Arabia’s prominent role within it.
The ‘Kingdom Champions’ area is dedicated to elite stars who have made global headlines through their esports exploits. You’ll notice Mosaad Al Dossary lifting the FIFAe World Cup 2018 trophy, the Saudi national team celebrating their Overwatch World Cup crown in 2023, and the women’s Saudi team cheering Valorant glory at the Afro-Arab Esports League last year.
Other sections at the Saudi Esports Federation Legacy Museum include a ‘Heroes’ zone, a ‘Centre of the Game’ video display, and an interactive area called ‘Experience the Moment’.
The museum is open seven days a week from 6pm, plus entry is free.
Not a gamer? You can still enjoy the exhibition as a way to experience a whole new art form. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or simply curious about the world of gaming, the Legacy Museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the past, present, and future of the gaming industry.
The opening of the Legacy Museum coincides with the hosting of the inaugural Esports World Cup in Riyadh, the largest gaming festival in the world, featuring a record-breaking prize pool of $60 million.
The eight-week-long Esports World Cup, which has a unique cross-game structure and pits the world’s top clubs and players against one another across 22 global competitions in 21 leading games, runs until August 25 at Boulevard Riyadh City.
Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said, “Recognising the achievements of the past is a vital part of ensuring progression in the future. The Saudi Esports Federation Legacy Museum provides inspiration for all who visit, especially those who play a role – or want to play a role – in capturing the full potential of gaming and esports in Saudi Arabia. Looking around the museum and seeing special moments dedicated to world-class, game-changing tournaments, such as Gamers Without Borders, Gamers8 and the Esports World Cup is a thoroughly enjoyable and moving experience. We encourage all members of the public to visit the museum and relish the documentation of modern Saudi Arabian success.”
Legacy Museum, SEF Arena, Boulevard Riyadh City, 6pm. @ewc_festival
Images: Supplied