The Saudi Esports Federation has signed two new partnerships with ROC Esports and Team Stallions, formalised through separate Memoranda of Understanding. The move is part of the federation’s wider plan to grow Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem and further position the Kingdom as a global hub under Vision 2030.
Announced on February 19, 2026, the agreements focus on talent development, structured training programmes, and long-term career pathways for Saudi esports professionals.
Agreements Focus On Talent Development And Academy Programmes
According to the official release, the MoUs aim to accelerate ecosystem development while strengthening national talent pathways. The Saudi Esports Federation, often abbreviated as SEF, will work alongside ROC Esports and Team Stallions to support Saudi professionals across the sector.
A central part of the collaboration involves the Saudi Esports Academy. Through the academy, employees and athletes will have access to specialised training programmes and joint initiatives designed to raise professional standards and improve competitive readiness.
The agreements also explore career pathways for academy graduates, signalling a more structured pipeline from grassroots development through to professional competition.
Rawan Al Butairi, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said the partnerships align with the organisation’s long-term strategy.
“We are thrilled to partner with ROC Esports and Team Stallions, two clubs that contribute to the sustainable development of the Kingdom’s esports ecosystem and the advancement of national talent,” she said.
She added that the collaborations will help deliver structured programmes and strategic initiatives that strengthen the sector’s foundations and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global hub for esports in line with Vision 2030.
ROC Esports And Team Stallions Competitive Background
Both organisations bring competitive credibility to the table.
ROC Esports is a multi-title Saudi Arabian organisation founded in 2023. It is primarily known for its presence in Apex Legends, where it secured a second-place finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup Apex Legends tournament. That result contributed to a top 24 finish in the 2025 Esports World Cup Club Championship. Beyond Apex, the organisation has fielded rosters in CrossFire, Call of Duty Warzone, PUBG, Teamfight Tactics, and Overwatch 2.
Team Stallions has built its reputation largely within the CrossFire circuit. Its Philippines roster finished in the top four at the 2025 CrossFire Esports World Cup tournament and reached the finals at CrossFire Stars 2025, the game’s world championship. The organisation also operates a VALORANT roster, which recently placed second in the Saudi eLeague Championship behind Twisted Minds.
By partnering with organisations that are already competitive across multiple titles, the federation strengthens its ability to connect structured training with real tournament experience.
Part Of A Broader National Esports Strategy
Saudi Esports Federation has been active since late 2017 and acts as the Kingdom’s regulatory body for competitive gaming. Its activities are split into two complementary streams.
The first stream focuses on developing competitive gamers at every level, starting from grassroots communities and progressing towards elite professional athletes capable of achieving global results. The second stream looks at the broader gaming and esports value chain, catalysing industry growth and enabling talent across operational, managerial, and commercial roles.
The new agreements with ROC Esports and Team Stallions sit squarely within that framework. They are designed not just to support top-tier teams, but to build a more sustainable structure underneath them.
In recent years, the federation has organised major national and international tournaments, attracted private sector investment, and worked alongside international developers to expand opportunities within the Saudi market. These latest partnerships continue that trajectory, with a clear emphasis on structured development rather than one-off competitive wins.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in gaming and esports, moves like this suggest the focus is shifting towards long-term talent pipelines and professionalisation, rather than simply hosting large-scale events. If the academy-driven model delivers, it could further solidify the Kingdom’s ambitions to remain at the centre of global esports conversations.