SPL launches eSPL 2025 | OneFootball

The Saudi Professional League (SPL) announced on Tuesday the launch of the official eSPL Esports Championship to be held next month, featuring representatives from all Roshn Saudi League (RSL) clubs.

The winner of the tournament, which will run from May 4-6 in Riyadh, will receive a direct qualifying spot in the Esports World Cup 2025, where they will represent Saudi Arabia in one of the most prominent global esports competitions.

The opportunity not only reflects the importance of winning, but also represents a gateway for Saudi players onto the world stage and offers an opportunity to raise the Saudi Arabian flag on the largest international platform.

The championship format will comprise both a group stage and knockout stage, where the 18 players representing the RSL clubs will be divided into two pools of nine to compete in a league format. The top four from each group will advance to the final, knockout phase.

The tournament will be broadcast live on the SPL's official digital channels, such as Twitch and YouTube, featuring commentators and analysts along with extensive coverage from content creators and influencers to ensure an interactive digital fan experience.

Organising the eSPL tournament represents an extension of the league's transformation strategy launched in 2023, which focuses on enhancing fan engagement, empowering young talent, and expanding digital presence.

The tournament will be an effective platform for reaching new audiences and connecting clubs with eSports fans, particularly among youth.

The promotional plan also includes the participating clubs announcing their representatives and a special activation for the winner duroing one of the RSL’s matchweeks.

The initiative embodies the integration between traditional football and eSports, reflecting the league's vision of providing an integrated sporting experience.