Over 20,000 active Esports players in Oman

Muscat: Esports and electronic gaming in the Sultanate of Oman are advancing rapidly toward establishing a firm presence as a modern sports sector that integrates competition, innovation and investment. This momentum is driven by widespread youth engagement and institutional efforts to organize and develop the activity.

Against this backdrop, the Omani Esports and Electronic Games Committee is working to build an integrated ecosystem encompassing local tournaments, talent development, and the formation of national teams, in line with the accelerating global growth in this field.

In an interview with Oman News Agency, Eng. Saba Said Al Busaidi, Chairperson of the Omani Esports and Electronic Games Committee, discussed the current state of esports, future plans, the scale of development, and the ambitions driving the sector.

Regarding the committee’s establishment and overall vision, she affirmed that the committee was established to regulate the esports sector in the Sultanate of Oman, nurture talent, and foster a professional competitive environment. She noted that the vision is centered on building a sustainable digital sports ecosystem that meets international standards.

She added: “We are working within a five-year strategic plan focused on popularizing esports, developing human capital, and establishing national teams capable of competing internationally.”

Al Busaidi stated that the number of esports practitioners in the Sultanate of Oman is estimated at over 20,000 active players, of whom approximately 5,000 are registered in the committee’s activities and tournaments. The most engaged age group ranges between 16 and 30 years old.

She noted that over the past year, the committee organized nearly 12 tournaments and events across various games, with the participation of more than 1,500 players. Some tournaments, she emphasized, attracted significant live audiences and notable engagement on digital platforms.

Regarding player selection, she explained that choices are based on results from local tournaments, individual skills, and discipline. A plan is in place to increase the number of international participations over the next two years.

She further indicated that approximately 35 active esports clubs have participated—to varying degrees—in local, regional, and international tournaments, as well as esports activities, with efforts underway to increase this number in the coming period.

Al Busaidi underscored that esports contributes to harnessing youth energy and developing cognitive and concentration skills. She stressed the importance of balancing entertainment with discipline, noting that key challenges include the need for specialized infrastructure, greater public awareness, attracting more sponsors, and correcting persistent misconceptions.

She highlighted that esports represents a growing economic opportunity through commercial sponsorships, content creation, and the organization of major tournaments. There is an ambition to host regional esports tournaments in the Sultanate of Oman, thereby contributing to the activation of sports tourism.

She reaffirmed that the goal over the next five years is “to double the number of registered players, expand the club base, and achieve advanced results at the continental level.”