Saudi Arabia hosts “Gamers Without Borders” esports event to combat COVID-19

In an effort to combat the current coronavirus pandemic, Saudi Arabia has come out with a new initiative. With the help of esports, Saudi Arabia has set up Gamers Without Borders, featuring a $10 million prize pool. All the money will be donated to select charities chosen by the winners of a share of the prize pool. The event features multiple titles across various platforms and will run from April 24 to June 7. [videoplayer key=”DailyEsportsTeamLiquidbeginsweeklongstreamingmarathontohelpfightCOVID19-1585181576593″ fixedWidth=”true”]

SAFEIS combats the pandemic

With most of the world under lockdown due to COVID-19, the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS) sees esports as the ideal opportunity to help with the current situation. As reported by Saudi Gazette, Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan, the chairman of SAFEIS, has given his thoughts on the topic:

Much of the world is in lockdown. Many feel helpless in response and alone. Yet the simple beauty of esports is that it is digital by design and can be enjoyed by everyone, anywhere and at any time. It has never been more relevant and now is the time for all gamers to join together and contribute to the cause.

All prizes won via Gamers Without Borders will be donated to one of twelve specified charities to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside the competitions, Gamers Without Borders is also creating a learning opportunity. A learning academy “will be launched offering a series of training programs, prized hackathons and webinars targeted at developers, gamers, investors, and entrepreneurs”. Of course, the events will focus on digital and gaming insight, alongside game development.

Gamers Without Borders: platform and format

SAFEIS is bringing Gamers Without Borders to life with ESL’s help on the technical side. Both amateurs and professionals may join any of the various tournaments and esport titles. The charity event features competitions in the following games:

• FIFA 20
• Fortnite
• Clash Royale (coming soon)
• PUBG Mobile (coming soon)
• Apex Legends
• Overwatch
• Call of Duty
• Rocket League (coming soon)
• Rainbow Six Siege (coming soon)

The tournaments range from weekly marathons that feature over 150 tournaments to “games of the week”, having “more than 20 different tournaments across seven incredible games”. The event is international, so anyone from any country in the world can participate and help in the fight against the coronavirus. What do you think of the Gamers Without Borders initiative? Let us know down in the comments. As always, remember to follow us at Daily Esports for all your latest news in the esports world.