It’s not news that more and more is happening in the Gulf states, affecting the sports industry. Officially, there will also be an E-Gaming League with headquarters in Dubai. The Emirates E-Sports Federation, in collaboration with ITW Universe, has announced the launch of the E-Gaming League (EGL), a new e-sports league set to debut in March 2025 in the UAE. Inspired by major sports leagues like the NBA, EPL and IPL, the EGL introduces a unique franchise-based draft system to redefine competitive gaming.
With the PC and Games market generating $92 billion in revenue in 2023, the EGL aims to elevate e-sports to new heights by incorporating proven sports frameworks, creating a sustainable ecosystem for talent development and global competition.
SGI Europe contacted Nayeem Khan, Head of Gaming/E-Sports at ITW Universe, who said anyone of any gender can participate in the EGL.
“The EGL is open to participants aged 18 and above, welcoming both men and women to compete across our diverse genre categories,” said Khan. “Inclusivity is a core principle of the league. Players will be drafted based on skill, and gender will not be a deciding factor. All participants can play together and compete on the same teams, ensuring a level playing field for everyone.”
Where and how is the recruiting done?
“Recruitment for the league is conducted through online qualifiers and a professional draft system. Players can join the online qualifiers from anywhere globally, providing a pathway for emerging talent to compete alongside professional players. The top 25 players from each genre’s online qualifiers will be entered into the Players’ Draft Pool under the “Emerging Player” category. Professional players are scouted and invited based on their competitive achievements and profiles.”
How many teams will participate?
“The inaugural season will feature six franchise teams, each competing in four main genre championships. Every franchise will field teams for each genre championship, ensuring a balanced and competitive roster for each category.
Global qualifiers for the EGL 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 owners behind EGL have set high goals for the investment in EGL. The will is to make UAE a leading global e-sports hub.“
